Washington, DC - I am deeply concerned by the deterioration in the human rights situation in Egypt in recent weeks and months, including the reported decision this week by the Egyptian government to reopen an investigation of Egyptian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) documenting human rights abuses and defending the freedoms enshrined in Egypt’s constitution. This decision comes against a wider backdrop of arrests and intimidation of political opposition, journalists, civil society activists and cultural figures.

Washington, DC - National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice “Seizing a Transformational Moment in the Western Hemisphere” As Prepared Remarks at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center - The Atlantic Council - Washington, D.C.:

Golden, Colorado - The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Lab-Corps program today launched its second round of clean energy entrepreneurship trainings this week in Golden, Colorado. The $2.3 million pilot, started in 2014, is based on the National Science Foundation's successful Innovation Corps model.

Washington, DC - In a Rose Garden ceremony today at the White House, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States. Merrick Garland, the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee in history. No one is better suited to immediately serve on the Supreme Court.

Washington, DC - According to the recent United Nations report, Status of the World’s Soil Resources, the world can ameliorate soil degradation if more sustainable practices are promptly implemented. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines soil degradation as "a change in the soil health status resulting in a diminished capacity of the ecosystem to provide goods and services for its beneficiaries. Degraded soils have a health status, such that they do not provide the normal goods and services of the particular soil in its ecosystem."

Washington, DC - Announcements for Let Girls Learn are part of the First Lady’s visit to South by Southwest. These commitments complement private sector commitments announced by the First Lady on International Women’s Day.