News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Brian T. Owen, former president of an oilfield consulting service in Bossier City, Louisiana, has been sentenced for money laundering.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Consumers are anticipated to spend a near-record $33.5 billion on Mother's Day this year, as reported by the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics on April 25, 2024. This figure marks the second-highest in the history of the survey, following last year's record of $35.7 billion.NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay emphasized the significance of Mother's Day, stating, "Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who play a meaningful role in our lives." The survey indicates that 84% of U.S. adults are expected to...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
TAOS, N.M. — Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland visited New Mexico this week, where he joined leaders from the Taos Pueblo for the release of 10 bison from Yellowstone National Park into their existing herd. During the visit, Assistant Secretary Newland highlighted the significant funding the Department has invested through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to support the restoration of bison populations and grassland ecosystems in Tribal communities.Through its bison range activities, the Taos Pueblo is reestablishing native grasses through...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
President Biden has appointed Lise Grande as the new Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, succeeding Ambassador David Satterfield. Grande's extensive humanitarian experience and background have been highlighted as crucial for addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.The creation of this position by President Biden following the October 7th terrorist attacks reflects the urgent need to enhance regional diplomacy and humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. Acknowledging Ambassador Satterfield's significant contributions, President Biden expressed gratitude...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco recently delivered remarks at the Disruptive Technology Protection Network Summit, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in combating national security threats. Monaco expressed gratitude to the delegations from Japan and the Republic of Korea for their participation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the United States and its allies.Monaco underscored the necessity of partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges, stating, "To combat today’s national security threats, we cannot go it alone. We...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $245,722 in back wages and damages for 10 cooks after uncovering deliberate violations by the owner and operator of four northern California restaurants. The employer, The Pho restaurants, and principal owner Thuan Do, knowingly denied the cooks required overtime and minimum wages, as reported by the department's Wage and Hour Division.The investigation revealed that the employer had been paying the affected employees a flat salary for all hours, in violation of federal wage regulations. The employer also falsified payroll...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon and Director Kristina Rose of the Office for Victims of Crime honored individuals and organizations for their dedication to helping victims of crime. Solomon expressed gratitude, stating, “We recognize the individuals and organizations represented here that go above and beyond to assist others in their time of crisis.” She emphasized the importance of supporting crime victims and survivors, ensuring they have the help they need.Director Rose highlighted the significance of the event’s theme, “How would you help? Options, services,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
The first high-level trilateral summit of the Disruptive Technology Protection Network was held by the Justice Department, bringing together delegations from Japan and the Republic of Korea. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco set the tone by delivering the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of preventing critical technologies from falling into the wrong hands. Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen and other senior government officials also spoke at the summit, highlighting the joint efforts to safeguard such technologies from...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Counselor for International Affairs, Bruce Swartz, recently delivered remarks at the Disruptive Technology Protection Network Trilateral Summit. In his address, Swartz emphasized the importance of cooperation and information sharing among key partners.Swartz began his speech by greeting his colleagues and acknowledging the strong foundation on which the cooperation between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan is built. He highlighted the positive relations in terms of mutual legal assistance and extraditions, stating,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
Four individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged nationwide abusive-trust tax shelter scheme, as reported in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Denver. The indictment alleges that Marcia Predmore, Roderick Prescott, Suzanne Thompson, and Weldon Wulstein conspired with Larry Conner and Timothy McPhee to defraud the IRS by promoting, selling, and implementing the scheme.According to the indictment, the defendants were involved in a scheme that aimed to help business owners avoid paying federal income taxes on their business income....
By Federal Newswire | Apr 25, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the allocation of $76.1 million for 45 airport-related infrastructure projects in 22 states, as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. This funding is part of the $9 billion set aside for airport improvements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these grants in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation's airports, stating, “Millions of...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
John Cassara, a former agent of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Anti-Money Laundering Section, said he does not believe that "the Chinese government will engage in meaningful cooperation with the U.S." to address the flow of fentanyl precursors out of China. Cassara shared his statement with the Federal Newswire.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
John Cassara, a former Special Agent detailed to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Terrorism Finance and Financial Intelligence, expressed skepticism over the efficacy of recommendations made by the Select Committee in curtailing the flow of fentanyl from China. He suggested that instead, the U.S. government should adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle all aspects of what he referred to as the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) "criminality," in collaboration with global law enforcement agencies. Cassara communicated his views to the Federal Newswire on April 24,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Dina Temple Raston, host of the Click Here podcast, described the detention of former U.S. federal agent Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria as "tragic" and "ironic." She noted that in his previous role with the government, he was "one of the IRS's most celebrated cryptocurrency investigators." Raston made these remarks during an April 23 episode of her podcast.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
U.S. Representative Bob Good (VA-05) has announced his proposed legislation, the Iran China Accountability Act, which he claims will hinder Iran's cooperation with China and prevent taxpayer dollars from funding a potential nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Iran. According to Good, both Iran and China "seek America's downfall." He elaborated on the details of the Iran China Accountability Act in a press release issued on April 12.
By Press Release | Apr 24, 2024
Ben Lieberman is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) where he works on energy and environmental policy. He was counsel to the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce and worked for the Heritage Foundation.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has taken a strong stance following the fatal raid conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in Little Rock, Arkansas. In a letter addressed to ATF Director Steven Dettelbach, Chairman Jordan demanded transparency regarding the ATF's actions leading to the death of Bryan Malinowski during the execution of a search warrant.Describing the events of the early morning raid on March 19, 2024, Chairman Jordan expressed concerns about the ATF's handling of the situation. He...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, recently delivered a passionate speech on the Senate floor, urging her colleagues to support the national security supplemental appropriations package. Collins emphasized the importance of the legislation, which aims to strengthen the military, rebuild the defense industrial base, and assist allies during volatile times in world history.Collins highlighted the critical components of the national security package, which includes funding for defense, assistance to...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining recently engaged in a meeting to discuss bilateral ties between China and the U.S. The meeting took place in Shanghai, where Secretary Jining warmly welcomed Secretary Blinken and the delegation. Secretary Jining expressed his hope that the visit to Shanghai would leave a deep impression and enhance understanding of the city.Reflecting on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Secretary Jining highlighted the importance of the relationship, noting its impact on global...
