U.S. Department of Education Announces 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools

U.S. Department of Education Announces 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: September 21, 2021)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona will make the announcement during his Return to School Road Trip, where he will visit an awardee school, Walter R. Sundling Jr. High School, in Palatine, Illinois. "This year's cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish," said Secretary Cardona. "I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe wh...

The National Catholic Bioethics Center discusses Public Policy | site |


August 27, 2021

The National Catholic Bioethics Center discusses public policy. Some of its observations are available in the Bioethics Public Policy Report: August 27, 2021,

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Defense [DOD] press release dated: August 27, 2021)

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following information: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar to thank Turkey for its longstanding and significant support to the mission at Hamid Karzai International Airport. They agreed to stay closely engaged with respect to any future arrangements at the airport. The Secretary thanked Minister Akar for his condolences for the U.S. service members lost in yesterday’s attack in Kabul. The Secretary reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Turkey defense relationship as demonstrated most recently by the strong cooperation between both countries on Afghanistan....

Federal Emergency Management Agency Launches National Risk Index Update | site |



Full Application Now Available with More Customization and Reporting


(Information contained in Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] press release dated: August 16, 2021)

Washington - - FEMA announced the full application launch of the National Risk Index, a new online resource that provides a clear, visual guide to natural hazard risks throughout the United States, and information to help communities to understand and reduce those risks, whether they involve flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, or drought. Developed with attention to the increased risks from climate change, and the need to develop new approaches to reduce those risks, this online mapping application provides simple measures of a community’s risk for 18 natural hazards. The online mapping application also measures resilience, social vulnerability and expecte...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues New National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: August 13, 2021)

Washington - - On August 13, 2021 the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the United States. The threat environment to the Homeland is diverse and challenging, especially leading up to and following the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks as well as religious holidays that could serve as catalyst for targeted violence. Threats in the Homeland include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. These actors are increasingly exploiting ...

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 2020 Fatality Data Show Increased Traffic Fatalities During Pandemic | site |



Risky Driving Behaviors Including Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, Speeding, and Drinking While Driving Identified as Contributing Factors


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: June 3, 2021)

June 3, 2021 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released preliminary estimates of crash fatalities in 2020 involving motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, and people walking and biking. Alongside the release of the 2020 fatality projections, Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2020, the agency issued two special reports, Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate by Sub-Categories in 2020, and Update to Special Reports...

Statement from U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas on the National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: June 15, 2021) With today’s release of the first-ever National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism, President Biden is demonstrating his steadfast commitment to addressing the most significant and persistent terrorism-related threat to the homeland today. In furtherance of the National Strategy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will remain focused on addressing violence, while at the same time protecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. DHS is undertaking a number of actions as part of an all-of-government effort to fight domestic terrorism. DHS is enhancing its analysis of open-source information to identify threats and leverage credible threat-analysis produced by others. The Department is contin...

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Haaland Promotes Outdoor Recreation, Designates Ten New National Recreation Trails | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Interior press release dated: June 4, 2021)

Washington - - In celebration of National Trails Day on June 5, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced 10 new national recreation trails in eight states, adding more than 160 miles to the National Trails System. The newly designated trails join a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails, which can be found in every U.S. state. “As COVID-19 vaccination rates increase and our nation takes a collective and cautious sigh of relief, we need recreational resources now more than ever to strengthen physical, social and mental health across our country,” said Secretary Haaland. “National recreation trails boost local economies and provide communities with safe, equitable access to t...

Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries plan mass Flag placements, virtual Memorial Day events | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: May 24, 2021) Washington - - Veterans Affairs national cemeteries will allow mass flag placements across the U.S. to commemorate Memorial Day. This is one of many events and ceremonies scheduled this year and consistent with the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Volunteers wishing to place flags should contact their local national cemetery. “Memorial Day is a sacred day where we remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. “We can never forget these heroes nor the families who continue to grieve the loss of their mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother who stood in the gap for each of us to maintain the very democracy that we are able to treasure...

U.S. Energy Secretary Granholm Unveils National Actions to Increase Energy Efficiency for Homes and Buildings and Save Costs for Consumers | site |



Department of Energy Makes Major Steps Toward Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Buildings, Which Use 40% of the Nation’s Energy; Invests $30 Million in New Workforce Training Initiatives


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Energy [DOE] press release dated: May 17, 2021)

Washington, D.C. - - As part of a White House roundtable on building efficiency, Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm today announced sweeping actions to power more American homes and buildings with cleaner, smarter, and more affordable energy services that sharply reduce the buildings sector’s contributions to the climate crisis. “America’s path to a net-zero carbon economy runs straight through our buildings, which means we need to help households and commercial buildings across the ...

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Launches Influencer Campaign to Educate Drivers on Safety Features | site |


Digital Partnership with Jason Fenske Explains New Vehicle Technologies


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: May 17, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation today launched a new series of safety videos featuring Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained, demonstrating for the public the potential lifesaving benefits of several advanced driver assistance systems available in many new vehicles. “Understanding what advanced driver assistance technologies can and cannot do for the driver is critical to everyone’s safety,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Acting Administrator. “We’re providing the driving public with knowledge about the safety benefits of these technologies.�...

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman meets with Board of the National Association of Hispanic Publications | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: May 17, 2021)

Washington - - On May 13, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and the executive board of the National Association of Hispanic Publications met at a virtual roundtable. The group discussed the priorities of the Biden – Harris Administration and the equity focus on economic aid made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act, especially those in underserved communities.

“As the first Latina in President Biden’s Cabinet, I’ve made outreach to my Hispanic familia one of my key priorities,” said SBA Administrator Guzman. “Your partnership is vital in that effort – the Hispanic media has a long history of telling the story of our nation’s...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: May 14, 2021)

Washington - - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin after consultation with the Intelligence Community and law enforcement partners. The NTAS Bulletin advises that the United States is facing threats that have evolved significantly and become increasingly complex and volatile. Specifically, the Bulletin details the threats posed by domestic terrorists, individuals, and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or influenced by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. Social media and online forums are increasingly exploited by these actors to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and activity. Such threats als...

Agencies issue Shared National Credit Review | site |




(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 25, 2021)

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Credit risk for large, syndicated loans has increased over the last year, according to the 2020 Shared National Credit (SNC) Review released by federal bank regulatory agencies today. The elevated risk is largely attributed to the effects of COVD-19. While risk has increased, many agent banks have strengthened their risk management systems since the prior downturn and are better equipped to measure and mitigate risks associated with loans in the current environment. The review, which evaluates the quality of large syndicated loans, was conducted by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the C...

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s Call with Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation Chair Dr. Abdullah | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson press released dated: February 20, 2021)


Readout by Spokesperson Ned Price, U.S. Department of State:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the Chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the United States’ review of its strategy in Afghanistan. The Secretary thanked Dr. Abdullah for his vital work in support of the Afghanistan peace process, and he expressed America’s resolve to support a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Afghanistan....