News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Christopher Bretherton from the Allen Institute for AI (AI2) recently shared insights on the use of machine learning for climate modeling. Bretherton explained, "We are excited about the potential of machine learning to improve our understanding and predictions of climate dynamics."Bretherton highlighted the importance of collaboration in this field, stating, "It is crucial for scientists and machine learning experts to work together to harness the full power of these technologies for climate research."With the increasing urgency of tackling climate change, the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has announced the finalization of updated regulations for renewable energy development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) have collaborated to streamline and modernize regulations, with the aim of reducing costs and increasing certainty for offshore wind projects.Secretary Haaland, speaking at the 2024 International Partnering Forum, expressed her pride in the Interior Department's efforts, stating, "I am so...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) unveiled new measures aimed at assisting communities in combating extreme heat as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Earth Week initiatives.In a statement, HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "Extreme heat affects all of us. Historically underserved communities are even more vulnerable."The initiatives include the publication of a webpage on Extreme Heat by HUD, serving as a central platform for actions communities can take to...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a significant new security assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $1 billion, to meet the country's critical security and defense needs. This marks the fifty-sixth tranche of equipment to be provided to Ukraine since August 2021.The package includes a wide range of capabilities aimed at supporting Ukraine's urgent requirements, such as air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons. The assistance is part of the Biden Administration's ongoing commitment to bolster Ukraine's defense...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Fort Worth, Texas (April 24, 2024) – Yesterday, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) brought together Fort Worth-area businesses for a supply chain policy roundtable, in partnership with member company Elbit Systems of America. The roundtable convened 21 of AIA’s small and medium-sized supply chain member companies to explore avenues through which the United States Department of Defense and the rest of the federal government can support businesses of all sizes dedicated to our national defense.Companies that attended yesterday’s roundtable included Ernst & Young...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto. The call, which took place to discuss the U.S.-Indonesia defense relationship, as well as regional and global security issues, highlighted several key points.During the call, Secretary Austin reiterated President Biden's congratulations to Minister Prabowo on his recent victory in Indonesia's presidential election. The two leaders also discussed the importance of Indonesia's military modernization and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
A Vermont restaurant server was found to have been retaliated against by their employer, resulting in a $50,000 punitive damages settlement and $829 in back pay. The U.S. Department of Labor investigation revealed that the employer, Trareeba Ltd., operating as Colatina Exit in Bradford, Vermont, unlawfully included managers in its tip pool, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.Furthermore, the investigation discovered that the restaurant failed to pay workers time and a half for hours worked over 40 in a workweek and employed two 17-year-old delivery drivers for...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced at the U.S. Department of Education’s Attaining College Excellence and Equity Summit the launch of a new Postsecondary Student Success Recognition Program. The program aims to recognize institutions of higher education that support students in completing affordable credentials that prepare them for success. The public has been invited to submit suggestions to the Department regarding this new initiative within a 30-day period.The initiative is part of the Department’s Raise the Bar campaign, which strives to increase...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo have come together to announce a partnership aimed at harnessing AI, facilitating data flows, and empowering digital upskilling. The joint statement released by the United States Department of Commerce and the Kenyan Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy highlighted their shared commitment to strengthening the digital economy and promoting innovation between the two nations.During the AmCham Business Summit:...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order aimed at protecting the U.S. livestock industry from the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. The order mandates measures such as mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle and reporting of positive test results in livestock to USDA APHIS."Requiring positive test reporting will help USDA better understand this disease and testing before interstate movement will limit its spread," said USDA in a statement.The USDA highlighted the importance of biosecurity measures in...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The United States has issued a strong call for peace in the conflict-ridden region of El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan. In a statement released by Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, on April 24, 2024, the United States urged all armed forces in Sudan to halt their attacks immediately.Miller expressed deep concern over the potential offensive actions by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allied militias in El Fasher. He emphasized the grave danger such an offensive would pose to civilians, particularly the displaced population seeking refuge in the city. The...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
A new study conducted by the CCIA Research Center has unveiled significant consumer benefits resulting from retail membership bundles at Mexico's top four Big Box stores: Walmart Pass, Sam's Club, Costco, and H-E-B Prime. The research indicates that Mexican consumers are reaping an annual consumer surplus of approximately MXN $1.4 billion through these membership bundles.According to the study, a staggering 81% of members at one of Mexico's leading Big Box stores also hold memberships with at least one other Big Box retailer. When factoring in MeLi+ and Amazon, the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the USDA is partnering with rural cooperatives, local organizations, and Tribes to support high-speed internet deployment in 11 states. The $5.2 million in cooperative agreements awarded through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to connect every community in America with affordable, reliable high-speed internet.Speaking at the Texas Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of keeping...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State Jose W. Fernandez and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa al-Harthy, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry of Oman, met in Washington on April 24, 2024, for the Second U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue.During the dialogue, the two sides discussed various aspects of the bilateral partnership, focusing on trade and investment, clean energy, and education, culture, and science. Fernandez welcomed Sheikh Khalifa to Washington, highlighting the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Washington, D.C. — A recent analysis by the Center for American Progress reveals that younger Americans are emerging as the beneficiaries of a robust economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the analysis, younger Americans have seen a significant increase in their wealth, with an impressive 49 percent growth after adjusting for inflation since just before the pandemic, marking a departure from decades of economic stagnation.The analysis highlights that younger households have outpaced older generations in terms of wealth accumulation during and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a final rule designed to shield airline passengers from unexpected junk fees when purchasing tickets. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers’ business—not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees."The rule mandates that airlines and ticket agents disclose fees for services such as checked bags, carry-ons, and reservation changes upfront. This measure aims to prevent consumers from falling...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza is set to travel to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia from April 24th to 26th. The purpose of the visit is to advance ongoing efforts in strategic infrastructure investments and clean energy transformation in Brazil.According to the Office of the Spokesperson, Matza's trip aims to facilitate investments in green transportation, logistics, critical minerals supply chains, and clean energy sectors such as agriculture and clean fuels. The PGI is focused on expanding its...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, has unveiled new measures aimed at enhancing the nutrition standards of school meals across the country. These changes, set to be implemented between Fall 2025 and Fall 2027, will focus on reducing added sugars, providing flexibility in menu planning, and improving the overall health value of meals served in K-12 schools.According to Secretary Vilsack, "Nutritious school meals are an essential part of the school environment, empowering our kids to achieve greater success inside...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the recovery of nearly $85,000 in owed wages for 32 mobile home transportation drivers and laborers who were misclassified as independent contractors. The investigation focused on Paredes Inc., operating as Superior Service, a mobile home transportation company based in Maxwell, Texas.According to the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, the drivers and laborers were actually employees, not independent contractors as classified by Paredes Inc. The division found that the company violated federal law by failing to...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 24, 2024
An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida charging three men for their alleged roles in an approximately $36 million health care fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering scheme that involved submitting false and fraudulent claims for COVID-19 testing to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program.Enrique Perez-Paris, 47, of Aventura, Florida, and Diego Sanudo Sanchez Chocron, 47, of Venice, California, made their initial appearances today in the U.S....
