SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " department " 4,845 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Student-loan borrowers can now receive repayment interest benefit
The Education Department announced a 1% student-loan interest-rate deduction for borrowers who enroll in autopay beginning July 1.
Regulatory investigations reveal systemic failures among Commercial California Health Plans in delivering timely behavioral health care
Commercial California health plans are failing enrollees who need access to behavioral health services for mental health and substance use disorder care, recent investigations have shown. Across three rounds of investigations, the California Department of Managed Health Care found 70 Knox-Keene Act violations and 35 barriers to care across 14 health plans, spanning national, regional, and county-based plans.
The unwanted return of tetanus; why soccer makes people so happy; breast cancer in men; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
Women’s Health interviewed Kathryn Edwards, MD, Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Pediatrics, for a story about her JAMA Viewpoint article on tetanus making a comeback. Women’s Health interviewed Colin Armstrong, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, for a story tied to the World Cup about why soccer makes people so happy. An NBC News story about the announcement by “X-Men” actor and former wrestler Tyler Mane that he has breast cancer quotes Ben Ho Park, MD, director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The story focuses on how a prominent man with breast cancer may help remove some stigma from a cancer that is rare in males. Prevention magazine interviewed Caitlyn Mooney, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, for a story about a BMJ study that suggests 90 to 120 minutes per week of strength training may lower the risk of death. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted by several news outlets about public health issues, including: Women’s Health (norovirus is more common this summer); SFGate (measles in San Francisco just before the World Cup crowds); Travel + Leisure (how to avoid getting sick on a cruise); and Fox News (mosquito-borne diseases). Reporter Liz DeSantis from WKRN News 2 aired a story on the rehab unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Kat Hedden, PT, DPT, PCS, CBIS, Acute Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Team Lead and Mary McLanahan, MD, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation were interviewed, as well as the family of patient Will Terry. Reporter Nikki Hauser from WTVF News Channel 5 interviewed Graden Knapp, Gaming and Technology Specialist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt about his 3-D wheelchair project. Tennesseanreporter Sandy Mazza covered the announcement of the latest Leadership Nashville class, which includes Jane Freedman, MD, Deputy CEO, and Chief Health Systems Office for Vanderbilt Health; and also the announcement of the latest Leadership Tennessee cohort, which includes Jeff Upperman, MD, Surgeon in Chief at Monroe Carroll Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
States file to stop DOJ from demanding patient data from providers
California and 18 other states are asking the court to bar the U.S. Department of Justice from accessing the protected health information of minor patients as part of a federal investigation into gender-affirming care.
UVM Announces Team-Specific Stores Open Until June 29 with Nike/BSN Sports
BURLINGTON, Vt. - University of Vermont Athletics and the University Licensing Department are proud to announce a partnership with Nike and BSN Sports to make sport-specific gear available to our fans as we ramp up to the 2026-27 season!
OhioHealth agrees to void contracts that allegedly punished payers for including competitors in-network
The U.S. Department of Justice said the settlement will save citizens of the state money and open up the market to competition.
Exclusive: Trump administration ramps up effort to revoke citizenship from naturalized Americans
The Trump administration plans to file at least 250 denaturalization cases by October, significantly intensifying its effort to revoke citizenship from people naturalized in the United States, according to a senior Justice Department official.
Essentia Health-Virginia expands emergency department
VIRGINIA, Minn. — Essentia Health-Virginia has begun construction on an expansion that is set to nearly double the capacity of its emergency department. The expansion includes a dedicated behavioral health suite and five additional exam r…
Health department reports new travel-related dengue case on Oahu
Health officials said that the expected risk of local transmission is low.
Brenham ISD board accepts generous science department donation from the Chilellis
The Brenham ISD Board of Trustees officially accepted a generous monetary donation from Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Chilelli aimed at enhancing science education at Brenham Junior High School.
Despite concerns, CDPAP users question Trump lawsuit
The Trump Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging that the state Department of Health conducted a “sham bid process."
Despite concerns, CDPAP users question Trump lawsuit
The Trump Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging that the state Department of Health conducted a “sham bid process."
Discovery Supercomputer’s first applications selected for Day-One Science
Scientific computing experts at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have selected the first nine research projects that will run on Discovery, the nation’s next flagship supercomputer, slated for deployment in 2028. The projects will be developed through the Discovery Center for Accelerated Application Readiness program at ORNL’s Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility. The program is designed to ensure that a suite of leading-edge scientific applications is optimized and ready to deliver results as soon as Discovery becomes operational.
Discovery Supercomputer’s First Applications Selected for Day-One Science
Scientific computing experts at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have selected the first nine research projects that will run on Discovery, the nation’s next flagship supercomputer, slated for deployment in 2028.The projects will be developed through the Discovery Center for Accelerated Application Readiness (CAAR) program at ORNL’s Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF).
Justice Department sues New York over Medicaid home care ‘fraud scheme’
The Justice Department is suing the New York State Department of Health, the state’s Medicaid director and a company operating a $10 billion home health prog…
New Plan Scales Back C.D.C.’s Work on Diseases Abroad
The State Department is taking over much of the control of global health initiatives, for which critics say the department does not have the expertise.
Trenton Health Department facility has rodent infestation, emails show
Emails associated with the alleged infestation obtained by The Trentonian show an exasperation by employees who in early May found mice poop on their desks, atop papers, and left in other work areas.
Health department orders Wintzell’s Montgomery location to close
A popular seafood restaurant in downtown Montgomery has been ordered to close by the Montgomery County Health Department.
DOH-Orange WIC Returns to the SouthSide Health Center - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Orlando, Fla. — After being temporarily relocated for HVAC upgrades, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will return to the Southside Health Center on June 22, 2026.
US Health Department announces over $700 million to combat mental health, addiction, homelessness
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday announced more than $700 million in new funding opportunities aimed at tackling mental illness, addiction and homelessness.
Department of Energy Selects 36th Class of Computational Science Graduate Fellows
Twenty-nine students working toward achieving doctorates in fields that emphasize the use of computing and mathematics have been selected for the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) program.
Raccoon in Anne Arundel County tests positive for rabies; health officials seek anyone exposed
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is looking for anyone who may have come in contact with a raccoon on or near McGill Court and Milburn Circle in Pasadena after the animal tested positive for rabies.
HHS announces over $700 million to fund behavioral health, other initiatives
The Department of Health and Human Services June 17 announced it will provide more than $700 million in funding for initiatives on mental illness, addiction and homelessness.
Biostatistics faculty elected to leadership posts in top statistics societies
Three Department of Biostatistics faculty have won new leadership roles and honors in the American Statistical Association and the International Statistical Institute
Vanderbilt Health advances nursing innovation and workforce well-being in ‘Strong by Design’ State of Nursing address
She highlighted several systemic and financial programs designed to improve departmental collaboration between frontline staff and operational teams, and better support workforce well-being and professional growth.
Delaware Public Health District warns of rabies case
The health department said it is important for residents to take precautions
SGMC Health Welcomes Barry Fleming as Director of Main Emergency Department
SGMC Health welcomes Barry Fleming as Director of the Emergency Department at SGMC Health Main.
LSU Unveils Energy-Efficient Science Hub
BATON ROUGE – LSU's new Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building brings five science departments together under one roof for the first
Newsom sees Trump DOJ investigation as a political gift
An investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) could have put California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on defense. Instead, it is giving Newsom, seen as a leading Democratic White House contender…
Five New Sport Programs Approved by Murray State University Board of Regents
After a thorough analysis of future departmental growth and campus enrollment strategies, Murray State Athletics is proud to announce that it will be expandi...
NC Senate eyes involuntary commitment bill targeting mental health, crime
A Senate committee is expected to review a House-approved proposal to shift some mental evaluations out of emergency departments and expand the number of people who can conduct them.
U.S. Sues N.Y. State Over Troubled $11 Billion Home Health Care Program
The Justice Department accused officials of failing to police a vendor it said had siphoned off millions of dollars. A spokeswoman for Gov. Kathy Hochul called the suit an attempt to weaponize the justice system.
Trump DOJ sues NY health officials, alleging ‘backroom deal’ in home care overhaul
The Justice Department alleges the state officials improperly awarded a contract to provide home health services.
Justice Department sues New York state DOH over CDPAP transition
The DOJ argues that the state DOH conducted a "sham bid process" and failed to take action to hold Public Partnerships LLC accountable.
Merchants of Doubt and the attacks on Extreme Event Attribution science
Last week, I attended a meeting at Columbia University on attribution science and climate law, hosted by the Sabin Center. It was a fantastic event, bringing together scientists and legal experts working at the intersection of extreme event attribution and climate law. Subscribe For those unfamiliar with it, extreme event attribution attempts to quantify the contribution of climate change to an extreme event. For example, several groups analyzed the impact of climate change on Hurricane Harvey’s enormous rainfall totals over Houston, Texas and they found that climate change increased rainfall by 15 to 38%. One thing that came up again and again was how terrified fossil-fuel interests are of extreme event attribution science. They are acutely aware that this research could land them in court. And losing those cases would leave them legally liable for billions of dollars in climate damages. Because the legal stakes are so high, the blowback has turned ugly. I spoke with several scientists at the meeting who are facing ongoing harassment over their work. This blowback is a coordinated campaign to make the entire field look suspect. The goal is to create the impression that attribution science is too uncertain, too political, or too conflicted to be useful in court or in public policy. The strategy is not based on actual science or evidence of misconduct, but on the generation of doubt. The new Merchants of Doubt We’ve seen this before. In fact, not that long ago: We only have to go back a year to the Department of Energy (DOE) Climate Working Group (CWG) report to see an example of using doubt as the tool to push back against well-established science. This strategy is laid out in an email from a member of the CWG, Dr. Roy Spencer, that was released during litigation over the Climate Working Group process. The key quote is: About all I can hope is that what we write will provide sufficient “reasonable scientific doubt” regarding the science claims in the 2009 TSD [technical support document], based upon almost 2 decades of new science, to call into question the original reasoning for the EPA Administrator’s decision that CO2 presents a threat to human health and welfare. This statement is strong evidence that at least some members of the committee were working to support a particular policy outcome: revoking the Endangerment Finding. The email also explains how they planned to do it: by attempting to generate “reasonable doubt”. This is going to be hard, Spencer implies. Despite falsely claiming that “2 decades of new science” weakens the case, Spencer explicitly acknowledges that the actual peer-reviewed science of climate change overwhelmingly rejects his position: But if the science argument is decided upon by a vote, or by the number of published citations, we lose the science argument. We can go back even further: This CWG email shares unmistakable DNA with the infamous 1969 tobacco memo that declared: “Doubt is our product, since it is the best means of competing with the ‘body of fact’ that exists in the mind of the general public. It is also the means of establishing a controversy.” The tobacco memo also acknowledges the limit of this strategy: Like the CWG, they knew the science was not on their side. Share The new new Merchants of Doubt The people attacking the IPCC chapter on extreme event attribution are the newest iteration of the Merchants of Doubt. Their goal, like all Merchants before them, is to introduce doubt into the process. Because the report is not even out yet, they cannot attack its conclusions. So they are attacking the authors instead. Here is a press release from the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee: In the letter, the Chairmen express concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving members of the Attribution Committee, stating that “publicly available information suggests a troubling pattern” in which committee members are affiliated with nonprofits that support climate accountability lawsuits, “raising the appearance of impropriety and member bias.” To be clear, this is just innuendo. There is no actual evidence of bias. And given the robust process that these reports go through, including multiple lines of peer review, it seems very unlikely that significant bias can survive into the report. When the report comes out, critics will have the opportunity to make legitimate criticisms of the report — if any exist. If none do, however, they’ll still make criticisms, but they’ll be bogus, simply designed to generate doubt. We’ll see. A note to the press: Fix your frame To any journalists reading this: The public debate over extreme event attribution science is not going away. The science is simply too dangerous to fossil-fuel interests for them to stop fighting it. You very well might be assigned to write an article about this area of research in the future. When you do, do not automatically adopt the framing that climate misinformers want you to use. They want you to frame the story around questions like: Are climate scientists trying to put their thumb on the scale to achieve a predetermined, politically motivated result? Are climate scientists improperly letting their politics invade the science of the IPCC? That frame is a trap. Instead, you need to view this through the historical lens of the Merchants of Doubt. How does the ecosystem of doubt operate? Who funds it? What methods do they use to misrepresent science and slime researchers? What scientific results are they trying to keep people from understanding are legitimate? Ultimately, you instead need to focus your article on the generation of doubt as a way to maintain the fossil fuel industry’s social and legal license to keep burning oil, gas, and coal. If you treat the misinformers’ frame as a legitimate, good-faith scientific critique, you are helping them produce doubt. Don’t do it. Don’t be a Merchant of Doubt. Thanks for reading The Climate Brink! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. Subscribe other stuff The Staying Curious Substack has an interesting post about the different flavors of climate sensitivity. This is crucial information if you want to understand how scientists think about how much warming the Earth will experience. I’d be grateful if you could hit the like button ❤️ below! It helps more people discover these ideas and lets me know what’s connecting with readers.
Yinming Shao named Downsbrough Early Career Professor of Physics
Yinming Shao, assistant professor of physics at Penn State, has been honored with the Downsbrough Early Career Professorship in Physics in recognition of his research contributions, teaching, and service to the Department of Physics and the Eberly College of Science.
Northeastern appoints Mark Williams as dean of College of Science
Mark Williams, professor and chair of the Department of Physics, will assume the position of dean for the College of Science July 1, according to a June 11 email to the college’s faculty, staff and students. Williams, who joined Northeastern in 2001, will enter the role following physics professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic...
Todd Blanche is no sure thing in looming AG nomination battle
Past scandals and a history of personal service to Trump are complicating the president’s pick to lead the Justice Department
Trump moves oversight of special education, civil rights out of Education Dept.
The Department of Justice will take on enforcement of civil rights in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education
Trump moves oversight of special education, civil rights out of Education Dept.
The Department of Justice will take on enforcement of civil rights in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education
Trump Administration Shifts Special Education Programs to Health Department
Officials announced that the Education Department’s civil rights office would also be broken off, the most aggressive move yet to dismantle the department.
Maricopa County Reports its First West Nile Death of the Season
Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first West Nile virus-related death of the season. The individual was an older adult with underlying health conditions."This case is a tra
What a New DOJ Memo Means for Small Business Hiring Practices
A recent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) legal opinion could significantly affect how federal discrimination law is applied to small businesses.
How Wisconsin Is Reducing Administrative Burden on Local Health Departments
Learn how Wisconsin is streamlining processes to improve the administrative experience for local health departments.
Fund honoring late meteorologist to assist in global student experience
Jenni Evans, a world-renowned meteorologist whose research transformed the scientific understanding of tropical cyclones and strengthened storm forecasting worldwide, considered her students’ success her proudest accomplishment. The newly established Jenni Evans Fund in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science will ensure that those successes continue in perpetuity.
Michigan health department issues warning about recalled squeeze toys
The health department said people should properly dispose of the items because the sand inside might contain asbestos.
Judge who had sex in courthouse and attended political event agrees to exit Georgia election case
A federal judge who was disciplined after an investigation found that she had sex with a police officer in her chambers and attended a partisan event, then lied when confronted with the allegations, has recused herself in a fight over Georgia election records after the U.S. Department of Justice raised questions about her ability to be impartial.
Judge who had sex in courthouse and attended political event agrees to exit Georgia election case
A federal judge has recused herself in a fight over Georgia election records after the U.S. Department of Justice raised questions about her ability to be impartial
Department of Health and Human Services Digital Stockpile & Manufacturing Response Network Challenge
NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) assists in the use of crowdsourcing across the federal government. CoECI’s NASA Tournament
Judge orders historical signs to be reinstalled
In response, an Interior Department spokesperson told Spectrum News that the decision was issued by “a Biden appointed judge.”
1 Central Florida food truck shut down last week after health inspections
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down a food truck in Volusia County for health code violations during the week from June 7-13.
Three Lehigh University materials science students awarded 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
Three students from Lehigh University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering have received National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, one of the nation's most competitive honors for emerging STEM researchers. Their success highlights the impact of a course designed to strengthen scientific communication, proposal writing, and fellowship preparation.
Informa Markets and Thailand's Health Ministry Join Forces To Deliver a Successful Edition of International Healthcare Week 2026 in Bangkok
Informa Markets joins forces with Thailand's Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) to unveil International Healthcare Week 2026, a transformative regional healthcare platform that will elevate Thailand's position as a world-leading medical and wellness hub and catalyze new waves of investment, innovation, and international partnerships across the healthcare industry.
Epstein survivors push Comer to investigate potential leads from DOJ’s files in private meeting
In a private meeting last week, a group of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse and family members of the late Virginia Giuffre pointed House Oversight Chair James Comer to allegations from the Justice Department’s Epstein files to further investigate, arguing that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s suggestion there were no more leads to pursue in the case is not true.
Lancaster County measles outbreak garners national attention; 4 new cases in the past week
With measles cases in Lancaster County continuing to rise and the state tracking possible public exposures at the courthouse and a local department store, the outbreak here is attracting national
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says Trump's Justice Department is investigating him and his wife
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and longtime political rival of Republican President Donald Trump, said Monday the president ordered the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife.
Newsom says he's on Trump's 'hit list' as Justice Department interviews governor's friends
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration appears to be investigating him and his wife. The Democrat said agents interviewed his friends and associates.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says Trump's Justice Department is investigating him and his wife
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, accusing the Trump administration of targeting him for political purposes as he weighs a presidential bid
Gavin Newsom says Trump Justice Department is investigating him
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that the Department of Justice is investigating him, claiming that President Donald Trump is targeting a “political enemy” despite no evidence the Democratic potential 2028 presidential contender has committed a crime.
IBX team wins first place at Google Code for the Cure Hackathon with AI prototype to make prior authorization clearer and fairer
A team of associates from Independence Blue Cross’s (IBX) Advanced Analytics and Data Science department won first place at a recent Google Code for the Cure Hackathon in New York City. The event, run by Google Cloud, brings together teams to build real-world AI solutions to health care challenges. In just four hours, the IBX team designed and built a fully functional prototype that shows how AI can make prior authorization decisions clearer, more consistent, and fair for patients and providers.
South Carolina DPH marks Men’s Mental Health Week, urging exercise and screenings
For Men's Mental Health Week (June 15-21), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging men to get active
CMS, HHS request information for potential modifications to ACA Essential Health Benefits
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services issued a request for information (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/15/2026-11994/request-for-information-comprehensive-review-of-the-essential-health-benefits-framework-and-typical) June 12 seeking input on CMS’ review of the Affordable Care Act’s Essential Health Benefits framework and the requirement that the scope of EHBs is equal to the scope of benefits provided under a standard employer plan.
UK in Effort to Improve Construction Workers’ Mental Health Amid Out-of-Work Crisis
The UK’s business department is spearheading a new effort to improve mental health in the construction industry, as the government tries to tackle a labor market crisis that’s been worsened by Britain’s high numbers of people out of work due to mental illness.
Georgia health officials offer car seat safety classes, free seats for eligible families
Georgia Department of Public Health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to take advantage of car seat safety classes offered through local health departments.
1 killed, multiple injured in shooting at Richland County business
One person was killed, and others were injured in an early Sunday shooting at a business, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Health department recalls all Clover Hill Dairy cheeses over ongoing listeria risk
Maryland health officials are warning consumers not to eat, sell or serve any cheese products made by Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville after expanding a cons
Health department recalls all Clover Hill Dairy cheeses over ongoing listeria risk
Maryland health officials are warning consumers not to eat, sell or serve any cheese products made by Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville after expanding a cons
Campbell County health and food inspections (6/5/26–6/11/26)
GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Consumer Health Services Division of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture conducts inspections of retail food establishments throughout Wyoming (where there is not a local health department that does inspections) to help ensure safety of Wyoming residents. Campbell County establishments are inspected at least once a year by the WDA. All of […]
Natrona County health and food inspections (6/5/26–6/11/26)
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper-Natrona County Health Department inspects restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, mobile food units, commissaries and
Laramie County health and food inspections (6/5/26–6/11/26)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department inspects restaurants, bars, convenience stores, delis, grocery stores, bed and breakfasts
Santa Clara Co. resident confirmed to have measles: public health
(KRON) — The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is warning of a public measles exposure in San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Santa Clara County. Santa Clara Public Hea…
Health officials confirm case of measles in a Santa Clara County resident
The Public Health Department issued a warning regarding potential public exposure to measles.
Birmingham Police work Homewood business homicide investigation
The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) are on the scene of a Homewood business homicide investigation in the 200 block of W Valley Ave.
445 birds euthanized after bird flu found at Providence business
Cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza were confirmed in some birds at Antonelli Poultry in Providence, according to the Rhode Island departments of Health and Environment Management.
SBA moves to revise 8(a) rules while preserving tribal, ANC eligibility
Details By Brian Edwards Native Contracting June 13, 2026 The U.S. Small Business Administration has proposed changes to its 8(a) Business Development Program that would eliminate race-based presumptions of social disadvantage for individually owned businesses while leaving eligibility standards unchanged for tribally owned enterprises, Alaska Native corporations and other Native entity-owned participants. In both the title and summary of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, SBA emphasized that the changes only apply to individually owned firms and “do not impact entity-owned firms,” including tribes, Alaska Native corporation, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations. The proposed rule, announced June 11, would require all individual applicants seeking admission to the 8(a) program to submit evidence demonstrating social disadvantage. Membership in a racial or ethnic group alone would no longer establish eligibility, according to the SBA. For Indian Country, the agency said eligibility standards for businesses owned by federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations would remain unchanged. The proposal comes after the Department of Defense reaffirmed that participation by tribes and Alaska Native corporations in the 8(a) program is based on their political status under federal law rather than diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In a May 28 letter to Alaska's Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey wrote that participation by federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations in federal programs is “grounded in their political status as Native Americans, not DEI initiatives.” The SBA proposal follows a 2023 federal court ruling that found unconstitutional the program's rebuttable presumption that members of certain racial and ethnic groups were socially disadvantaged. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the proposed rule would establish a single standard for individually owned applicants by requiring evidence of social disadvantage. The 8(a) Business Development Program provides participating firms with business development assistance and access to federal set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities. The program remains a major source of federal contracting revenue for tribal enterprises and Alaska Native corporations. Native-owned firms received $16.1 billion of the program's approximately $26 billion in federal contract awards during fiscal 2024, according to data previously reported by Tribal Business News. The proposal also arrives amid ongoing concerns from Native contractors about SBA administration of the program. In May, the Native American Contractors Association and 53 Native-owned businesses urged SBA to address delays in processing 8(a) applications, saying some reviews had stretched beyond regulatory deadlines and appeared to have stalled since August 2025. The proposed rule is open for public comment through July 13. The Federal Register notice does not reference tribal consultation or indicate whether SBA determined consultation was unnecessary because tribal eligibility standards are unchanged. The SBA has not announced when the proposed rule would take effect. The agency is expected to accept public comments before issuing a final rule.About The AuthorAuthor: Brian EdwardsBrian Edwards is associate publisher and associate editor of Tribal Business News and Native News Online. He is a longtime publisher, editor, business reporter and serial entrepreneur. Subscribe Today!Other Articles by this authorDefense Department reaffirms tribal, ANC eligibility in SBA 8(a) programTribal heritage projects eligible for up to $100K in federal funding through NPS programIHS launches tribal long-term care construction initiative with three projectsIḷisaġvik College acquires site for long-planned Utqiaġvik campus This article is available to paid digital subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
Supercomputer illuminates subatomic particle that helps hold matter together
A team of researchers has leveraged a supercomputer at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory to reveal the internal structure of a pion in unprecedented detail. The findings ...
Mobile County Health Department begins aerial spraying for mosquitoes
The release says the flight route included operations in and around the Cochran-Africatown Bridge area and other areas.
Baldwin County Health Department issues public swimming advisory
The advisory is advisory for the waters of Perdido Bay at Kee Avenue
Health department staffers aren't buying RFK Jr.'s peace offerings
Some staffers say their work lives are improving. Others say their jobs have never been more difficult.
Department of Veterans Affairs stops LGBTQ+ veteran support
Internal VA guidance obtained by The Advocate raises questions about the future of specialized assistance for those who served.
Sharon O'Keefe
As president of the University of Chicago Medical Center and chief operating officer of the 1,286-bed University of Chicago Medicine health system, Sharon O’Keefe oversees a clinical enterprise with annual operating revenue of $2.21 billion. In the past 18 months, UChicago Medicine opened an expanded adult emergency department—a $39 million investment—and an adult trauma center. Since 2011, the system has generated annual growth of nearly 5 percent in revenue and 4 percent in patient admissions. O’Keefe previously was president of Loyola University Medical Center and executive vice president and chief operating officer at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She serves on the Illinois Hospital Association finance and audit committee and is on the American Heart Association’s Midwest affiliate board.
Trump administration must re-install exhibits on slavery, climate change and other topics at national parks, judge rules
President Donald Trump last year directed the Interior Department to make changes to parks, monuments and memorials to address any “false revision of history.”
Mississippi Department of Health urges caution with ticks and mosquitoes during summer months
Mississippi Public Broadcasting is MPB. Mississippi is Our Mission. Get the latest news on Tate Reeves, the Election and updates on Television, Radio and Online
Paramount's $111-billion Warner Bros. acquisition clears key hurdle
As expected, the U.S. Justice Department gave its consent for the blockbuster merger expected to reshape Hollywood
VDH asks for community's help to stop spread of measles in Buckingham area
The Virginia Department of Health's Southside District is asking for the community's help in stopping the spread of measles.
Harry Strunk Lake Health Notice
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has been notified of high levels of E. Coli at Harry Strunk Lake in Frontier County also known as Medicine Creek Reservoir. This means the water…
Alumni Ronay Bakan Wins Multiple Dissertation Awards from the American Political Science Association
Department of Political Science Ph.D. alumnus Ronay Bakan has won two different awards from sections of the American Political Science Association (APSA) for her dissertation titled “Counterinsurgent Urbanism: Weaponizing Land and Heritage in the Kurdish Region of Turkey”. Bakan won the Best Dissertation Award from the Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) section, and Honorable...
Alumni Ronay Bakan Wins Multiple Dissertation Awards from the American Political Science Association
Department of Political Science Ph.D. alumnus Ronay Bakan has won two different awards from sections of the American Political Science Association (APSA) for her dissertation titled “Counterinsurgent Urbanism: Weaponizing Land and Heritage in the Kurdish Region of Turkey”. Bakan won the Best Dissertation Award from the Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) section, and Honorable...
Energy Secretary Takes Heat in First House Science Hearing
Democrats used the opportunity to challenge the department’s decision-making on a host of science topics, including Genesis, clean-energy projects, and last year’s Climate Working Group report.
Jan. 6 debanking probe once floated as way to pad anti-weaponization fund
A Justice Department probe examining whether some of the nation’s biggest banks closed accounts of defendants charged in the 2021 Capitol riot and others for political reasons has been raised to the Trump administration as a way to support it’s efforts to compensate people the president claims were victims of weaponization, according to people briefed on the matter.
Justice Department appeals order to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center
A federal judge ruled May 29 that physical and digital signage with President Donald Trump’s name must be taken down within 14 days
Justice Department appeals order to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center
A federal judge ruled May 29 that physical and digital signage with President Donald Trump’s name must be taken down within 14 days
Senate panel sets markup on college sports bill
The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled the markup of a bipartisan measure that proposes sweeping changes to collegiate athletics and has the backing of President Donald Trump. The panel is expected to take up several amendments at the markup on June 18, including one aimed at protecting non-revenue sports. Some athletics departments in recent years […]
Northern Highland Fishery Research Area Celebrates 80 Years Of Internationally Recognized Fisheries Science
On June 20, 2026, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area (NHFRA), one of the longest-running fisheries research projects in the world.
Trump wants you to know this RFK Jr. aide’s name
Chris Klomp is working to boost morale and deliver results at the Health Department after a year of upheaval.
UFC announces global sports diplomacy partnership with U.S. State Department
In a development that has forever merged the worlds of combat sports and international affairs, UFC CEO Dana White and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding at the State Department headquarters. Dana White doesn't approve of steady growth and instead ...
Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case addresses anonymous tip about alleged unmarked grave near Mexican border
The Pima County Sheriff's Department says it has not been in contact with Mexican authorities over an anonymous tip alleging that Nancy Guthrie's remains were buried in an unmarked grave near the border.
Engineering’s Shuo Li selected for Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering and Construction | CWRU Newsroom
Shuo Li, PhD, the Leonard Case, Jr. Professorship in Engineering at the Case Western Reserve University Department of Biomedical Engineering, was sele...