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America at 250, Seen from Space
To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released a new portrait of the nation from space.
Long Visa Wait Times May Be Affecting Lucrative U.S. Tourism Industry
Millions of international tourists visit the United States each year, contributing billions of dollars to the national economy. But tourism declined from 2024 to 2025 and still has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Long wait times for tourism visa…
GAO Unveils New Strategic Plan Focused on the Nation’s Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Washington, D.C. (October 15, 2026) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued its new Strategic Plan for 2027 to 2032, which charts a course to meet the rapidly changing needs and priorities of Congress. The new plan outlines…
Repeated Blast Exposures May Risk Military Service Members’ Brain Health
Some military service members’ brain health may be at risk due to blast exposures from weapons used in training or combat. Machine gunners, artillery and infantry troops, snipers, and others are frequently exposed to blasts in the course of their…
The Campaign to Stop A Common Form of Gun Trafficking
One of the most common sources of illegal gun trafficking is “straw purchases.” This is when a “straw man” or “straw buyer” purchases a firearm for someone who is prohibited from owning a gun. This form of trafficking helps dodge background checks…
The B-52: Why is the Air Force Spending Billions to Modernize a 70-year-old Plane?
The Air Force began flying the B-52 in the 1950s. Back then, these long-range, heavy bombers had a projected lifespan of 20 years. More than 70 years later, the Air Force says it still needs the B-52 and is spending billions to upgrade it. Today’s…
Competitive Robotics in WV reaches all-time high
FAIRMONT – Competitive Robotics in West Virginia has reached an all-time high with more teams across the state than ever before. The West Virginia Robotics Alliance, managed by the Education Resource Center (ERC) team at the NASA Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility, released new data for the 2023-24 Robotics Season that shows a peak in the…
Beware of Ghost Preparers—They Can Haunt Your Tax Filings
Filling out and filing tax forms correctly can be confusing. That is why more than half of all taxpayers pay to get help on these forms. But beware…Sometimes, these paid preparers aren’t who they seem. And if they ghost you, that could be a sign of…
USGS Updates U.S. Critical Mineral Deposits
RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey has released an updated database showing known U.S. deposits of 59 critical minerals needed to strengthen the American economy and protect national security.
GAO Makes Appointments to PCORI Governing Board
WASHINGTON, DC (September 23, 2026) — Orice Williams Brown, Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), today announced the appointment of three new members to the Governing Board of…
GAO Makes 2026 PTAC Appointments
WASHINGTON, DC (October 16, 2026) – Orice W. Brown, Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), today announced the appointment of six new members to the Physician-Focused Payment…
