Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Photography Exhibition From the National Museum of the American Indian's Archives Center Reveals Community Stories
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
* * *
Photography Exhibition From the National Museum of the American Indian's Archives Center Reveals Community Stories
The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall will open "InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives" Friday, May 23. Drawing from the more than a half-million photographs in the museum's Archives Center, the exhibition gives an intimate view of Indigenous lives across the Western Hemisphere and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
* * *
Photography Exhibition From the National Museum of the American Indian's Archives Center Reveals Community Stories
The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall will open "InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives" Friday, May 23. Drawing from the more than a half-million photographs in the museum's Archives Center, the exhibition gives an intimate view of Indigenous lives across the Western Hemisphere andacross time. The photographs show everyday moments of joy and quiet reflection. In them, people attend social gatherings, pose for family photos and learn from relatives.
In addition to providing a glimpse of daily life and significant moments, the exhibition highlights a core mission of the Archives Center: to continually work with community members to add information to the photo collections. Over time, through relationship-building and collaboration, the center has gathered a trove of stories behind the images. This exhibition is the culmination of the ongoing and collaborative process of revealing the vibrant lives behind still shots.
The exhibition was curated by Emily Moazami, head archivist; Rachel Menyuk, processing archivist; and Nathan Sowry, reference archivist.
Exhibition Preview
Curators will have some availability to provide a preview to members of the media the week of May 19. Those interested in scheduling an interview or advance gallery access should contact the press office at nmaipressoffice@si.edu.
About the Museum
In partnership with Native peoples and their allies, the National Museum of the American Indian fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples. The museum in Washington, D.C., is located on the National Mall at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media @SmithsonianNMAI.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/photography-exhibition-national-museum-american-indians-archives-center-reveals
National Science Foundation: Atmospheric Winds Have Surprising Impact on Ocean Weather
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
* * *
Atmospheric winds have surprising impact on ocean weather
New research improves ocean weather forecasts, enhancing public safety and economic growth
U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers published a new paper that explains how atmospheric wind affects eddies, an ocean weather phenomena of spinning ocean currents. "Our theory and findings provide a roadmap for incorporating interactions between winds and ocean eddies into operational and long-term forecasting," said Hussein Aluie,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
* * *
Atmospheric winds have surprising impact on ocean weather
New research improves ocean weather forecasts, enhancing public safety and economic growth
U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers published a new paper that explains how atmospheric wind affects eddies, an ocean weather phenomena of spinning ocean currents. "Our theory and findings provide a roadmap for incorporating interactions between winds and ocean eddies into operational and long-term forecasting," said Hussein Aluie,a co-author on the paper and professor at the University of Rochester.
"Accurate ocean forecasts are essential for navigation and shipping, fisheries management, disaster response, coastal management and climate prediction," Aluie said. These economic sectors rely on accurate forecasts to plan for potentially dangerous conditions.
Aluie and a team of researchers used satellite imagery and climate models to discover that not only do atmospheric winds dampen eddies, like previously thought, but they can also energize them. Prevailing winds that move longitudinally across the globe, like westerlies and trade winds, slow eddies when they move in the opposite direction but energize them if they spin the same way.
Between the eddies are ocean weather phenomenon called strain, which account for about half of the ocean's kinetic energy. The team found that strain is also dampened or energized by wind-like eddies.
"The new energy pathways between the atmosphere and the ocean that we discovered can help design better ocean observation systems and improve climate models," said Shikhar Rai, the study's first author and a doctoral student at the University of Rochester, in a university statement.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nsf.gov/news/atmospheric-winds-have-surprising-impact-ocean-weather
NASA's SpaceX CRS-32: Launch Coverage Underway
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- NASA issued the following news release:
* * *
NASA's SpaceX CRS-32: Launch Coverage Underway
NASA's coverage is underway on NASA+ for the launch of SpaceX's 32nd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled for liftoff at 4:15 a.m. EDT on the company's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of scientific investigations, food, supplies, and equipment, Dragon will
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- NASA issued the following news release:
* * *
NASA's SpaceX CRS-32: Launch Coverage Underway
NASA's coverage is underway on NASA+ for the launch of SpaceX's 32nd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled for liftoff at 4:15 a.m. EDT on the company's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of scientific investigations, food, supplies, and equipment, Dragon willarrive at the orbiting outpost at 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, and dock autonomously to the zenith, space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module.
NASA will provide live coverage of the spacecraft's arrival beginning at 6:45 a.m. April 22 on NASA+.
Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on X as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialresupply/2025/04/21/nasas-spacex-crs-32-launch-coverage-underway/
NASA's SpaceX CRS-32: Dragon Launches at 4:15 A.m. EDT
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- NASA issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
* * *
NASA's SpaceX CRS-32: Dragon Launches at 4:15 a.m. EDT
At 4:15 a.m. EDT, about 6,700 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo launched to the International Space Station on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for the company's 32nd commercial resupply services mission for NASA. The spacecraft lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
About 9 minutes after launch, Dragon will separate from the rocket's second stage, open its nosecone, and begin
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- NASA issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
* * *
NASA's SpaceX CRS-32: Dragon Launches at 4:15 a.m. EDT
At 4:15 a.m. EDT, about 6,700 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo launched to the International Space Station on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for the company's 32nd commercial resupply services mission for NASA. The spacecraft lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
About 9 minutes after launch, Dragon will separate from the rocket's second stage, open its nosecone, and begina carefully choreographed series of thruster firings to reach the space station.
Dragon will arrive at the orbiting outpost at 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, and dock autonomously to the zenith, space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module.
NASA will provide live coverage of the spacecraft's arrival beginning at 6:45 a.m. April 22 on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.
Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on X as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialresupply/2025/04/21/nasas-spacex-crs-32-dragon-launches-at-415-a-m-edt/
NASA's Moon Seismometer Cleared for Construction
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- NASA issued the following news release:
* * *
NASA's Moon Seismometer Cleared for Construction
NASA has confirmed that a seismometer being designed for the lunar surface is ready for building and assembly. The Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS) is one of several science payloads in development for potential deployment by astronauts during NASA's Artemis III mission.
The LEMS instrument is a compact suite of seismometers, about the size of a carry-on suitcase, designed to continuously monitor the Moon's surface for ground movement caused by moonquakes. Both
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- NASA issued the following news release:
* * *
NASA's Moon Seismometer Cleared for Construction
NASA has confirmed that a seismometer being designed for the lunar surface is ready for building and assembly. The Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS) is one of several science payloads in development for potential deployment by astronauts during NASA's Artemis III mission.
The LEMS instrument is a compact suite of seismometers, about the size of a carry-on suitcase, designed to continuously monitor the Moon's surface for ground movement caused by moonquakes. Bothmeteoroid impacts and a shrinking and cooling moon cause the lunar surface and subsurface to shake. The data from LEMS, which will be recorded for up to several years after the end of the Artemis III surface mission, can help scientists better understand the Moon's internal structure and evaluate the seismic hazards for human exploration.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2025/04/21/nasas-moon-seismometer-cleared-for-construction/
EPA Announces Appointment of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as Regional Administrator for Mid-Atlantic
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
* * *
EPA Announces Appointment of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as Regional Administrator for Mid-Atlantic
PHILADELPHIA - Today, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump appointed Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as EPA's Mid-Atlantic (Region 3) Regional Administrator. Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey will oversee the implementation of federal environmental laws and priorities of the administration's agenda in Delaware,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
* * *
EPA Announces Appointment of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as Regional Administrator for Mid-Atlantic
PHILADELPHIA - Today, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump appointed Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as EPA's Mid-Atlantic (Region 3) Regional Administrator. Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey will oversee the implementation of federal environmental laws and priorities of the administration's agenda in Delaware,Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and of EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program. She is the first woman appointed to lead the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region in the agency's history.
"Amy's experience and dedication to both agriculture and the environment make her a tremendous asset to the agency and the Mid-Atlantic Region," said Administrator Zeldin. "I am confident she is well equipped to carry out our mission and help deliver on our agenda to Power the Great American comeback."
"My commitment to sustainability traces back to over 30 years ago, when I founded a county-wide environmental group focused on watershed management and agricultural best practices. I'm excited to harness my passion for the environment to facilitate progress and support the Great American Comeback under the leadership of Administrator Zeldin and President Trump," said Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey.
Van Blarcom-Lackey has a distinguished history of service, having been appointed as the first Agricultural Ombudsman in the state of Pennsylvania where she served as a crucial link to agriculture communities, addressing conflicts related to agriculture, land use, and environmental planning. She brings more than a decade of experience as a lobbyist for both state and federal agricultural interests and over 20 years of experience in finance and business management.
A lifelong conservationist, Van Blarcom-Lackey was raised in rural Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed on her family's dairy farm. Her successful tenure managing her own family enterprises, along with her work in the financial industry, equipped her with a keen understanding of the intersection between business, environmental, and community needs.
Van Blarcom-Lackey resides in Philadelphia with her family.
Here's what people are saying about Amy's presidential appointment
"We congratulate the EPA and Administrator Lee Zeldin on the selection of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey to serve as the agency's Region 3 Administrator. Amy is enormously qualified, bringing both extensive experience and a strong understanding of the region she will be overseeing," said Representative Dan Meuser (PA-09). "Her commonsense approach, sharp cost-benefit skills, and first-hand knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic will ensure she is a productive and effective Regional Administrator. The region has many unique nuances, which Amy is not only well acquainted with, but also approaches with a deep commitment to the short- and long-term growth and integrity of our communities and industries."
"I extend my congratulations to Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey on her appointment to serve as Region 3 Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Amy is a constituent of my Senate District from Bradford County, and I am proud to see that she has been appointed to this very important position," said Pennsylvania State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23). "Amy comes from a farming family who I have known and worked with for more than a decade. Her background and experience in agriculture and conservation will serve her well in addressing water quality, flood control, the Chesapeake Bay and the myriad of other environmental issues impacting our region. I look forward to working with Amy in this new position."
"Amy's commitment to balance protecting the environment and common sense will serve our area, state, and region well," said Pennsylvania State Representative Clint Owlett (R-68). "She will be a solid voice for our rural values and brings stability and predictability to our communities.
"Amy is a great choice for Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. She brings to the position a Cornell education, a background in both agriculture and energy, a great knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and past work in finance, which all make her the best possible choice. Bradford County is proud of her and we know she will serve the region well," said Doug McLinko, Bradford County Commissioner.
"I met Amy in 2000 when she was hired as the very first ombudsman with the State Conservation Commission. In the few years I worked with Amy it was very apparent that she was very pragmatic and thoughtful when going to meetings and listening to some of the contentious situations between agriculture and the community. Amy had a soft ear and a desire to understand the concerns of the community," said Chris Strohmaier, Managing Director, Chester County Conservation District. "I have no doubt that Amy will do an excellent job in this position to protect the environment, but to also understand the many industries that operate within that environment."
"I have known Amy since our freshman year at Cornell University. Amy was a natural leader on campus and continued that path in her professional career," said Harriet Wegmeyer, COO of Wegmeyer Farms and retired Executive Director of Nutrients for Life Foundation. "Her life-long experience as a farmer, combined with her years of advocating for farmers and the environment, make her a perfect match for this position."
"Amy is a tenacious leader, a devoted mom, and a go-getter with a growth mindset whose deep roots in agriculture and steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship make her uniquely positioned to lead with both heart and expertise," said Heather Madland, Managing Director, Business Development, Novacap.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-appointment-amy-van-blarcom-lackey-regional-administrator-mid-atlantic
Amtrak Advances Upgrades at Two Western Pennsylvania Stations
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
* * *
Amtrak Advances Upgrades at Two Western Pennsylvania Stations
Improvements in the works at Greensburg and Latrobe Stations
PITTSBURGH - Amtrak is advancing critical improvements and repairs at Latrobe (LAB) and Greensburg (GNB), two historic train stations located in western Pennsylvania that date back to the early 1900s. Both stations are served daily by the Pennsylvanian train, which is financed primarily through funds made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
"Amtrak's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
* * *
Amtrak Advances Upgrades at Two Western Pennsylvania Stations
Improvements in the works at Greensburg and Latrobe Stations
PITTSBURGH - Amtrak is advancing critical improvements and repairs at Latrobe (LAB) and Greensburg (GNB), two historic train stations located in western Pennsylvania that date back to the early 1900s. Both stations are served daily by the Pennsylvanian train, which is financed primarily through funds made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
"Amtrak'spreservation and revitalization of these historic train stations will help better serve residents and visitors in Western Pennsylvania for decades to come," said Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities Dr. David Handera. "We are dedicated to working with our partners to restore and modernize the stations we serve both here in the Commonwealth and across America."
Intercity rail provides a vital link between smaller towns like Greensburg and Latrobe and larger metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and New York, offering an accessible travel option for work, education, healthcare, and leisure. Both stations set five-year ridership records in Fiscal Year 2024, with nearly 12,000 travelers using Greensburg Station and 3,400 passengers at Latrobe Station. The Latrobe Station opened in 1903, and the Greensburg Station opened in 1910.
Latrobe Station - Early Construction Phase
Final preparation is underway at LAB before formal construction work begins later this year. Improvements will bring the station up to code with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and include:
* Constructing a new concrete platform and encasing canopy bases in concrete
* Installing new electrical service and lighting along the entire platform and ramp
* Adding two sloped walkways to connect the shelter entrance and new platform
* Building an accessible walkway from the public right-of-way to the accessible parking, station shelter, and platform
* Designating accessible parking and an ADA compliant ramp with handrails and canopy to platform
* Renovating entrance to shelter for accessible access
* Providing new concrete stairs, foundations, and existing stair canopy foundations
* Resurfacing, striping, and modifying the parking lot
* Updating station signage
Greensburg Station - Design Phase
Currently in the design phase, project renderings and specifications recently reached 100% completion, and GNB construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
The project team is actively seeking design approval from external third-party stakeholders, including Norfolk Southern (the host railroad), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO), and the station building owner.
This project includes:
* Replacing the existing concrete low-level platform with two new concrete platforms
* Removing and relocating existing platform canopy structures with new foundations and roofing, plus a new drainage system
* Adding new stair and elevator platform enclosures
* Relocating the existing wheelchair lift enclosure and constructing a new concrete sloped walkway and landing area
* Designating two new ADA parking spaces
* Installing new platform wiring and lighting
* Constructing new concrete stairs from platform to tunnel level
* Adding two new ADA compliant restrooms
* Installing ADA compliant entrance automatic doors with new flooring at the existing tunnel hallway, utility room, and restrooms
These improvements are being implemented by Amtrak in coordination with host railroad partner Norfolk Southern and state partner PennDOT. These upgrades are two essential components of Amtrak's infrastructure investments across the United States, which play an important role in upgrading the future customer experience and delivering a new era of passenger rail in America.
REACTIONS
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)
"This investment by Amtrak is great news for Western Pennsylvania. When our transportation infrastructure is accessible and updated, everyone benefits. As the Latrobe and Greensburg Stations see a rise in ridership, I'm grateful Amtrak is prioritizing the preservation and revitalization of these historic stations."
Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA)
"A modern and robust public transit system makes Pennsylvania more accessible and competitive. I'm pleased that Amtrak is investing in western Pennsylvania and is continuing to make improvements to provide residents and visitors alike with opportunities for work and play in our beautiful Commonwealth."
State Senator Marty Flynn, Democratic Chairman of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee
"I applaud Amtrak's commitment to improving accessibility and preserving the historic character of the Latrobe and Greensburg stations. These investments are essential to strengthening regional connectivity and ensuring all Pennsylvanians can benefit from reliable, modern passenger rail. From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, and everywhere in between, all travelers from and through Pennsylvania will be better served thanks to these essential upgrades."
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward
"This is great news for our historic train stations in Westmoreland County as railways have long been an important part of our community and the transportation of our residents, goods and services. We look forward to working with Amtrak to ensure safety through modernization as ridership continues to hit record highs at the Greensburg and Latrobe stations, and as we continue to explore ways to increase the use of rail services and routes."
Majority Chair Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, State Representative Ed Neilson
"The preservation and revitalization of these historic train stations will serve as a vital link from rural Western Pennsylvania to bustling cities in the commonwealth. The improvements will help us stay connected to our history while moving us forward in transportation modernization."
City of Latrobe Mayor Eric J. Bartels
"The City of Latrobe is ready for work to begin on the Amtrak station! Our residents will be pleased with not only its functional updates that enhance its safety and operability, but also the restoration of sorts to the station's historic appeal. The vital role rails have played in the development of Latrobe elevates the need for the updates that are coming around the bend!"
* * *
Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2025/04/amtrak-advances-upgrades-at-two-western-pennsylvania-stations/
