News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
A federal grand jury indictment has been unsealed charging Frank Guereca, 22, of Olathe, with stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Missouri. Guereca was arrested while crossing the border from Mexico back into the United States and made his initial court appearance in El Paso, Texas. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of cooperation with Mexican law enforcement in stopping the flow of firearms into Mexico, where they can end up in the hands of violent cartels.Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The American education system is set to be the focus of the upcoming 2024 CAP Summit on Education: Reset. Reframe. Reform. The summit aims to bring together experts and policymakers from various sectors of education to discuss the future of education in the United States.Confirmed speakers for the event include prominent figures such as Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, and Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, among others. These speakers will contribute their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recognized 12 winners in the initial phase of the Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge, a competition aimed at promoting community-level solutions to address health inequities and environmental justice. The challenge, part of a national effort to uplift community voices with innovative solutions, seeks to tackle the adverse health impacts of environmental conditions within disproportionately impacted communities.Racial and ethnic minority, disadvantaged, vulnerable, low-income, marginalized, and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The National Retail Federation has spoken out against a proposed settlement of a class-action antitrust lawsuit over “swipe” fees charged to merchants by Visa and Mastercard. NRF Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Martz criticized the settlement, saying, “This ‘settlement’ is a backroom deal struck without the input of major retailers or the trade associations that protect the interests of small Main Street merchants. It fails to address anticompetitive practices that lead to ever-rising swipe fees.”In a letter to U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Secretary Becerra issued a statement regarding the proposed Menthol Cigarette Rule, acknowledging the significant engagement the rule has received. He stated, "This rule has garnered historic attention and the public comment period has yielded an immense amount of feedback, including from various elements of the civil rights and criminal justice movement."Furthermore, Secretary Becerra highlighted the importance of continued dialogue, mentioning, "It’s clear that there are still more conversations to have, and that will take significantly more time." The Secretary...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Assistant Secretary of the State Department Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations Anne A. Witkowsky and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta are set to embark on a joint travel to Papua New Guinea and Australia from April 26 to May 10.During their visit to Papua New Guinea, Assistant Secretary Witkowsky and Ambassador-at-Large Rao Gupta will engage with various stakeholders. According to the official statement, they will meet with government representatives, civil society, private sector stakeholders, and women-led organizations...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Assistant Secretary Shannon Estenoz recently concluded a weeklong tour of national parks in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to commemorate National Park Week and emphasize the positive impacts of investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The National Park Service has committed $195 million for climate restoration and resilience projects over the next decade, with a focus on protecting America’s national parks for future generations."In Biscayne National Park, supported by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, teams of scientists are at work...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, April 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is wrapping up Earth Week by highlighting the work the agency is doing to prevent plastic pollution."Plastic waste is growing and so is the impact it has on public health and the environment," said Cliff Villa, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. "This Earth Week, I challenge everyone to do their part to reduce plastic waste to protect our health and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy planet."The agency's efforts...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who are the co-chairs of the Congressional Uygher Caucus, introduced legislation to rename the location of the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in Washington, DC as 1 Jimmy Lai Way to pay homage to Lai for his work in human rights and remains unjustly imprisoned in Hong Kong.
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By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced their intent to pursue a 36 month prison sentence for former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Joel Kotkin was a reporter at the Washington Post and is a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University. He is the author of “The New Class Conflict,” “The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050,” and “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class.”
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who are the co-chairs of the Congressional Uygher Caucus, introduced legislation to increase the U.S. efforts against genocide of Uyghurs committed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Forty-two year old Humberto Garcia was convicted by the U.S. District Court in Seattle of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances after being arrested in 2020 for having ties to a drag trafficking ring.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Acting Secretary Julie Su has praised the announcement of Micron Technology Inc. constructing two new semiconductor fabrication facilities in New York, a move expected to generate over 70,000 jobs. In a statement, Acting Secretary Su emphasized President Biden's economic strategy of 'made in America,' stating that the investment in Micron aligns with this vision by bringing semiconductor production back home.Highlighting Micron's commitment to worker-centric practices, Acting Secretary Su noted that the company is implementing Project Labor Agreements for the construction...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with Kenyan President William Ruto to underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to partnering with Kenya to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.During the meeting, Secretary Raimondo praised President Ruto's efforts to enhance Kenya's business environment and attract more U.S. investment, stating, "The Secretary acknowledged the significant efforts that President Ruto’s Administration has made to improve Kenya’s business environment and attract increased U.S. investment in the country."...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Acting Secretary Julie Su emphasized the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to diversity in the workforce, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to building a workforce that looks like America—and the Megaproject Program is all about us putting our money where our mouths are."Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Acting Director Michele Hodge highlighted the importance of Megaprojects in providing opportunities for workers, saying, “Megaprojects provide workers with opportunities to access life-changing, good-paying construction jobs."...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Pentagon Spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Romanian Minister of National Defence Angel Tîlvăr on April 25, 2024. During the call, the two officials discussed Russia's war in Ukraine and ongoing efforts to provide additional security assistance for Ukraine.Ryder stated that both Secretary Austin and Minister Tîlvăr "reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the Ukrainian people and condemned Russia's unlawful war of choice." Secretary Austin also acknowledged Romania's crucial role as...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
The Department of Defense has unveiled the Calendar Year 2022 Annual Report on Civilian Casualties in Connection with United States Military Operations. According to the report, no civilian casualties were caused by U.S. military operations in 2022.In compliance with Section 1057 of the FY18 National Defense Appropriations Act, the Department is mandated to produce an annual report on civilian casualties related to U.S. military operations. The report details each U.S.-caused civilian casualty incident, including date, location, operation type (air or ground), and the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Law360: Privacy Hawks Plot What’s Next After FISA Passage Apr 25 2024Privacy advocates are strategizing their next moves following the passage of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Sean Vitka, policy counsel at Demand Progress, and Chris Baumohl, a law fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, are key figures in this discussion.Vitka and Baumohl, along with others, are focusing on accountability. Vitka emphasized the importance of holding officials accountable, stating, "Accountability is crucial in ensuring transparency and protecting privacy...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Director Kristina Rose delivered remarks at the 2024 National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony held on the National Mall. She expressed gratitude to the National Park Service for their partnership in ensuring care for crime victims across national parks. Rose welcomed distinguished guests, including Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon, recognizing her leadership and support for victims of crime. She also acknowledged the U.S. Postal Inspection Services for their role in raising awareness about victims' rights.Rose referenced Justice Thurgood Marshall's 1978...
