Featured Stories
Sabrina Amador Will Become a STRI Research Associate
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Oct. 21 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
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Next Chapter
Sabrina Amador will become a STRI research associate
October 20, 2026
By Rosannette Quesada-Hidalgo
STRI will miss Sabrina Amador as she begins a new chapter at the University of Costa Rica, but looks forward to continued collaboration.
Sabrina Amador, STRI Staff Scientist, began an exciting new chapter as a professor at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) in her hometown, San Jose. While we will certainly miss her at STRI, we are delighted that she has been given this
... Show Full Article
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Oct. 21 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
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Next Chapter
Sabrina Amador will become a STRI research associate
October 20, 2026
By Rosannette Quesada-Hidalgo
STRI will miss Sabrina Amador as she begins a new chapter at the University of Costa Rica, but looks forward to continued collaboration.
Sabrina Amador, STRI Staff Scientist, began an exciting new chapter as a professor at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) in her hometown, San Jose. While we will certainly miss her at STRI, we are delighted that she has been given thistremendous opportunity, and we are confident she will remain close to STRI as she moves forward in her work.
Sabrina joined STRI as a Staff Scientist in 2018. But her story with STRI goes back to ten years before that, when in 2008 she came to Panama as a short-term fellow to study the mutualistic behavior between Acacia ants and swollen-thorn Acacia plants. In 2011, she returned to study the effects of society size in Acacia ants on their behavior and brain anatomy, and in 2014, she joined STRI as a Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellow, to study decision-making in social insects.
After becoming a STRI staff scientist in 2018, she established and led the Tropical Behavioral Ecology Lab (a.k.a. the Ant-Plant Lab) to study decision-making in a wide array of arthropods. Sabrina's research deepened our understanding of the unique relationships between swollen-thorn acacias and their mutualistic ants, and other organisms associated with them. She also studied leaf-cutter ants, birds, caterpillars, pseudoscorpions, and spiders.
Her research on the flexibility of swollen-torn acacias to provide ant rewards under different conditions was featured in The Economist. She also appeared on the Panamanian television channel TVN, explaining why insects are more abundant during the rainy season. Sabrina and her team discovered that horsehair fungus in bird nests built in ant-defended Acacia trees changes the ants' behavior. She also published research on the scientific process, arthropod behavior, brain anatomy in Acacia ants, and blind spots in leaf cutter ants. Together, her research has provided valuable insights into the interactions that shape tropical ecosystems, from the organization of social insects to the evolution of novel behaviors.
Sabrina has made an impact on STRI not only through her research, but also through her commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists. She has been a dedicated mentor, guiding and encouraging dozens of students, interns, and early-career scientists.
Her contributions also extend to education and training. From 2015 to 2017, she coordinated the Introduction to Field Biological Sciences course, better known as the Gigante Field course, and later continued to support the program as a professor, lecturer, and project mentor. She also participated in tropical ecology courses offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) in Costa Rica. Both initiatives have contributed significantly to building capacity within the Latin American scientific community.
Sabrina played an important role in communicating her science, making it more accessible to students, policy makers, and non-scientists. Her lab created educational materials including field guides featuring the different species of swollen-torn Acacia plants and their ants, the different species of leaf-cutter ants, and a guide on the brain structures of different species of ants.
Her enthusiasm and passion for tropical interactions are reflected in her everyday joy and positive attitude. Her mentorship, generosity, and sense of humor are very much appreciated by her colleagues, lab technicians, interns, fellows, scientists, and the dozens of students whose lives and careers she helped shape.
While Sabrina's role as a Staff Scientist at STRI came to a close, she will continue as a Research Associate. As she begins this new chapter, we look forward to maintaining our close connection, and to the new opportunities her role may bring for strengthening collaboration between UCR and STRI. We wish her much success and happiness in her new role!
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About the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Headquartered in Panama City, Panama, STRI is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. Our mission is to understand tropical biodiversity and its importance to human welfare, to train students to conduct research in the tropics and to promote conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. Watch our video, and visit our website, Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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Original text here: https://stri.si.edu/story/next-chapter
SBA IG: SBA's Process on Implementing Federal Artificial Intelligence Requirements
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-15) entitled "SBA's Process on Implementing Federal Artificial Intelligence Requirements."
Here are excerpts:
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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this management advisory on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) implementation of recent federal requirements on artificial intelligence (AI). Several recent executive orders and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos direct the use of AI in the federal government to promote human objectives, economic
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-15) entitled "SBA's Process on Implementing Federal Artificial Intelligence Requirements."
Here are excerpts:
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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this management advisory on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) implementation of recent federal requirements on artificial intelligence (AI). Several recent executive orders and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memos direct the use of AI in the federal government to promote human objectives, economiccompetitiveness, and national security. SBA intends to use AI in a variety of ways, including fraud detection in disaster loan programs and support SBA's monitoring of 8(a) participants whose program eligibility depends on compliance with 8(a) requirements.
We found that the agency has taken initial steps to comply with AI directives, including appointing a Chief AI Officer and making public most instances of its planned and active use of AI, as of April 30, 2026, the end of our review. However, SBA could improve its information technology management and transparency by developing an AI strategy and governance policies in accordance with OMB requirements. The agency has not implemented a process to identify high-impact uses, such as when AI could be used as a principal basis for decisions or actions that have a legal or significant effect on rights. Without a comprehensive AI strategy with an active governing board, SBA could deploy or rely on AI tools without sufficient oversight, transparency, or safeguards.
SBA agreed with all six of our recommendations and proposed corrective actions that satisfied the intent of the recommendations. These recommendations are resolved and can be closed when SBA managers provide evidence they implemented the planned actions.
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The report is posted at: https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/SBA%20OIG%20Report%2026-15%20-%20SBA%27s%20Progress%20on%20Implementing%20Federal%20AI%20Requirements.pdf
[Category: IGIGRep]
SBA IG: SBA's Oversight of the Small Business Development Center Program
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-18) entitled "SBA's Oversight of the Small Business Development Center Program."
Here are excerpts:
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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this audit report to determine whether SBA provided effective oversight of the SBDC program to ensure statutory, regulatory, and agency requirements were met.
We found that opportunities exist for program officials to enhance financial reporting. Specifically, SBA can establish reasonable timelines for providing biennial
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-18) entitled "SBA's Oversight of the Small Business Development Center Program."
Here are excerpts:
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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this audit report to determine whether SBA provided effective oversight of the SBDC program to ensure statutory, regulatory, and agency requirements were met.
We found that opportunities exist for program officials to enhance financial reporting. Specifically, SBA can establish reasonable timelines for providing biennialfinancial examination results and ensure SBDCs submit timely and accurate payment requests. We also identified opportunities for SBA to increase the accuracy and completeness of the data used to assess program outcomes and to better align spending with demonstrated performance results. In addition, we identified opportunities for SBA to enhance how services provided to clients in rural areas are tracked.
We made five recommendations for SBA to enhance and enforce financial oversight, mitigate risks related to program performance, and strengthen program integrity.
SBA management partially agreed with all five recommendations. We closed Recommendation 1 because management established, implemented, and improved timelines for issuing the financial examination reports. Management's planned corrective actions are sufficient to resolve Recommendations 2 and 4. However, Recommendations 3 and 5 are unresolved, and we will seek resolution on these recommendations in accordance with our audit follow-up policy.
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The report is posted at: https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/SBA%20OIG%20Report%2026-18%20-%20SBA%27s%20Oversight%20of%20the%20SBDC%20Program.pdf
[Category: IGIGRep]
SBA IG: SBA's Mentor-Protege Program
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report entitled "SBA's Mentor-Protege Program."
Here are excerpts:
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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this verification inspection to assess the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) corrective actions for four recommendations from the September 17, 2019 Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Evaluation of SBA's All Small Mentor-Protege Program (Report 19-17).
The objectives of the report were to determine whether SBA implemented effective controls to ensure 1) it
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report entitled "SBA's Mentor-Protege Program."
Here are excerpts:
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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is issuing this verification inspection to assess the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) corrective actions for four recommendations from the September 17, 2019 Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Evaluation of SBA's All Small Mentor-Protege Program (Report 19-17).
The objectives of the report were to determine whether SBA implemented effective controls to ensure 1) itconducted initial application reviews and annual evaluations in accordance with the All Small Mentor-Protege program regulations and 2) it measured program success.
We initiated this verification inspection to follow up on the four recommendations and determine whether SBA's corrective actions were still operating as intended. We determined that Recommendations 1 and 4 were fully implemented; however, SBA management has not fully implemented Recommendations 2 and 3. We will reopen Recommendation 2 to track management's implementation and will work with the agency to establish a target date for completing corrective actions through the audit follow-up process. We will not reopen Recommendation 3, as management resumed conducting annual evaluations, which we confirmed during our review. Management agreed with reopening Recommendation 2, and the agency's comments are responsive to the recommendation.
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The report is posted at: https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SBA%20OIG%20Report%2026-16%20-%20SBA%27s%20Mentor-Protege%20Program%20%28Updated%20Signature%29.pdf
[Category: IGIGRep]
Navajo Nation Becomes First Tribe Eligible to Administer Clean Water Act Permitting Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Navajo Nation Becomes First Tribe Eligible to Administer Clean Water Act Permitting Programs
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NAVAJO NATION (Oct. 21, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the approval of Navajo Nation's application for "treatment in a similar manner as a state" (TAS) under the federal Clean Water Act for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and sludge management programs. The Navajo Nation, which possesses the largest Tribal reservation in the United States,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Navajo Nation Becomes First Tribe Eligible to Administer Clean Water Act Permitting Programs
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NAVAJO NATION (Oct. 21, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the approval of Navajo Nation's application for "treatment in a similar manner as a state" (TAS) under the federal Clean Water Act for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and sludge management programs. The Navajo Nation, which possesses the largest Tribal reservation in the United States,is the first Tribe in the country to attain TAS status for these programs.
TAS represents important progress toward tribal self-governance, signifying that Navajo Nation is now eligible to apply to administer NPDES and sludge management programs on their land. EPA's support of this approach is consistent with EPA Indian Policy and advances cooperative federalism, one of Administrator Lee Zeldin's five pillars.
"This approval brings Navajo Nation one step closer to having direct regulatory authority over the water resources on its lands," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Martucci. "EPA remains committed to strengthening collaboration with Tribes throughout the Pacific Southwest and looks forward to working with Navajo Nation on next steps."
"The Office of International and Tribal Affairs is honored to announce that the Navajo Nation has been approved for the first-ever TAS for the NPDES program," said EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs Assistant Administrator Usha Maria-Turner. "This approval represents years of hard work by the Navajo Nation, advances cooperative federalism, and highlights EPA's commitment to supporting Tribal sovereignty and self-governance."
"Navajo Nation is taking an important step to protect their waters. Protecting America's waters is a top priority for EPA, and we can only be successful if we work together under the Clean Water Act's cooperative federalism framework, said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. "The Trump EPA recognizes that like other local leaders, the Navajo Nation knows their waters best, and we are confident in their ability to implement these water quality programs."
"While obtaining water rights for the Navajo Nation is critical, we also need to manage all aspects of water quality protection--from our current water sources on the Nation, to how we put our water to use, to managing wastewater discharges, and then continuing the water cycle repeatedly," said Navajo Nation EPA Director Stephen B. Etsitty. "Obtaining NPDES authority now and effectively implementing it will be critical for our future growth."
With this new level of authority Navajo Nation would be able to:
* Issue permits that set discharge limits and monitoring and reporting requirements for discharges of pollutants into Tribal waters
* Regulate the use and disposal of sewage sludge
* Carry out related enforcement and administrative functions, similar to states exercising this authority under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/navajo-nation-becomes-first-tribe-eligible-administer-clean-water-act-permitting
IDB Launches Regional Network to Attract More Foreign Direct Investment to Latin America and the Caribbean
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches Regional Network to Attract More Foreign Direct Investment to Latin America and the Caribbean
October 20, 2026
The platform will bring together the region's investment promotion agencies to strengthen cooperation among countries.
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PANAMA CITY - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today launched the Latin America and the Caribbean Investment Promotion and Facilitation Network, a new platform aimed at facilitating the exchange of information and experiences among countries
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches Regional Network to Attract More Foreign Direct Investment to Latin America and the Caribbean
October 20, 2026
The platform will bring together the region's investment promotion agencies to strengthen cooperation among countries.
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PANAMA CITY - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today launched the Latin America and the Caribbean Investment Promotion and Facilitation Network, a new platform aimed at facilitating the exchange of information and experiences among countriesand strengthening cooperation and promotion efforts to attract more foreign investment to the region.
The Network will bring together government entities responsible for investment facilitation and promotion in the region's countries.
The initiative responds to growing demand among IDB member countries seeking to promote foreign investment, a key driver of growth, to advance development. Every dollar invested in investment promotion can generate up to an additional US$56 in foreign direct investment, according to an IDB study.
"This Network brings together those who attract and facilitate investment in each country, so they can learn from one another and investors can find a more predictable region. The Network focuses above all on implementation, not only to attract more investment, but also quality investment that translates into development for people and businesses," said Anabel Gonzalez, IDB Vice President for Countries and Regional Integration.
"Latin America and the Caribbean needs to attract more foreign direct investment to achieve its development goals. This Network will enable countries to share experiences and good practices and strengthen cooperation to reinforce their investment attraction strategies," said Fabrizio Opertti, Manager of the IDB's Productivity, Trade and Innovation Sector. "It will be a permanent space to work together and make better use of investment opportunities in the region," he added.
As part of its work to strengthen productivity, promote trade and investment, and foster innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean, the IDB, through its Productivity, Trade and Innovation Sector, will serve as the Network's technical secretariat during its initial phase.
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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: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-launches-regional-network-attract-more-foreign-direct-investment-latin-america-and-caribbean
EPA Marks 50 Years of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with Updates to Modernize Waste Regulations to Support Economic Growth
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Marks 50 Years of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with Updates to Modernize Waste Regulations to Support Economic Growth
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A groundbreaking 1976 law enters a new era of smart, safe, and economically sound waste management
Contact Information
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, in celebration of RCRA's 50th anniversary, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Common Sense RCRA Reform, an initiative to modernize the nation's waste management program,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Marks 50 Years of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with Updates to Modernize Waste Regulations to Support Economic Growth
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A groundbreaking 1976 law enters a new era of smart, safe, and economically sound waste management
Contact Information
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, in celebration of RCRA's 50th anniversary, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Common Sense RCRA Reform, an initiative to modernize the nation's waste management program,including through permitting reform, use of emerging technologies and novel solutions, and acceleration of cleanups to ensure protection of human health and the environment. Through this initiative, EPA is reducing unnecessary burdens on industry and costs for American communities with common sense actions like eliminating paper-based reporting and enabling the use of abandoned scrap tires as fuel.
"This month, the Trump EPA is proud to mark the 50th anniversary of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, by refocusing our efforts on ensuring protections for Americans while boosting the economy by streamlining and modernizing regulations," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "We're ensuring RCRA is modern, efficient, and protective."
Prior to the passage of RCRA 50 years ago, companies dumped an estimated 30 to 35 million tons of hazardous waste directly onto the ground every year. Without RCRA's strict regulations, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and spent solvents would have continued to seep into the ground to contaminate American communities. This includes major agricultural aquifers and municipal drinking water supplies across the country, leading to negative human health impacts such as cancers, birth defects, and waterborne illnesses. To build on this success and look toward the next 50 years, the agency is taking action to modernize the RCRA program:
* Reduce unnecessary burdens in RCRA permitting to lower the cost of living for Americans.
* Recover critical minerals and materials that have been trapped in waste streams.
* Respond with solutions to unusual or unique waste management scenarios.
* Revitalize waste management to reflect today's innovative technologies.
* Retain environmental and human health protection while supporting economic growth.
* Renew efforts to accelerate the pace of cleanups.
EPA is already advancing several actions consistent with this approach and is working on more than 25 additional actions. On March 5, 2026, the agency proposed eliminating paper reporting in the hazardous waste tracking system, moving to a fully electronic e-Manifest to reduce burdens and improve transparency. On March 23, EPA proposed steps to help clean up millions of abandoned scrap tires across the country by allowing their use as fuel, accelerating removal and reducing community risks.
RCRA also regulates the nation's gas stations and other fuel storage facilities with the Underground Storage Tanks program. Starting in the mid-1980s, the national Underground Storage Tanks program has cleaned up more than 530,000 petroleum releases--over 90 percent of known UST releases--reducing groundwater contamination risks and supporting community revitalization. Leaking tanks were once a national public health concern. Now, underground fuel storage is managed by a strong program where EPA, states and industry use practical standards to ensure safe storage and handling of the fuel that keeps our country going.
EPA recently finalized a variance allowing the use of innovative technologies to treat elemental mercury, which helps keep a toxic heavy metal out of the air, water, and food supply. In addition, the agency is preparing to modernize the hazardous waste permitting program. EPA will also update guidance to help corrective action facilities complete cleanup and move toward redevelopment.
Learn about the many actions in progress to modernize the RCRA program on EPA's Common Sense RCRA Reform webpage.
EPA Marks 50 Years of Progress under RCRA
For 50 years, RCRA has protected people and places, prevented contamination before it happens, and preserved the land everyone depends on. The RCRA Permitting Program protects the 5.3 million people living within a mile of hazardous waste facilities by maintaining permits to protect human health and the environment for 6,700 hazardous waste units at 1,300 permitted facilities. What began as a groundbreaking hazardous waste law is now an engine for public health, community vitality, and economic growth.
Signed into law in 1976, RCRA set standards for responsible solid waste management and established safeguards for hazardous waste, from generation to transportation, treatment, storage and disposal. Today, the RCRA waste management program monitors billions of tons of solid, industrial and hazardous waste resulting from the manufacturing and use of goods throughout the economy and oversees almost 4,000 cleanups across the country each year. In addition, approximately 534,000 underground storage tanks nationwide store petroleum or hazardous substances. Under RCRA, these tanks are managed with safeguards against the contamination of groundwater, which serves as the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans.
Across every state and every community, RCRA continues to prove that smart waste management doesn't just protect our air, water, and land--it strengthens the economy and the future. RCRA governs billions of tons of waste annually and has helped restore almost 19 million acres of contaminated land. These RCRA hazardous waste cleanup efforts generate broad economic benefits. At a sample of 168 cleanup facilities, more than 1,600 businesses employed over 176,000 people and generated over $19 billion in annual employment income and more than $76 billion in sales revenue in 2024.
Under RCRA, EPA and the states manage the safe disposal of 2.96 billion tons of solid, industrial, and hazardous waste every year. This includes protective standards for the roughly 60,000 facilities in the U.S. that annually generate and manage over 30 to 40 million tons of hazardous waste. As new challenges--such as safe management of lithium-ion batteries and increasing consumer waste--emerge, EPA is strengthening protection while making requirements clearer and more workable for regulated facilities.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-marks-50-years-resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra-updates-modernize-waste
