News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) has officially recognized April 2024 as the Annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This designation serves as a call to action for Service members to actively contribute to preventing and responding to sexual violence within the military community.Dr. Nate Galbreath, acting director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, emphasized the importance of the ongoing "STEP FORWARD" campaign, stating, "Each of us has a moral duty to step forward to prevent this crime, increase reporting, and advocate for a safer...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, April 19, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a critical rule to designate two widely used PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. This action aims to clean up PFAS contamination in communities and protect public health from the harmful effects of these substances.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this rule,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) marked Earth Day by releasing their accomplishments report for Fiscal Year 2023. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of ENRD emphasized the division's dedication to environmental justice and combating the climate crisis, stating, “We do this while carrying out a mission of remarkable breadth in enforcing federal laws enacted to protect public health, worker safety, natural resources, and animal welfare."The report showcases ENRD's efforts in defending pollution control measures, renewable energy...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Two former Crawford County, Arkansas, sheriff’s deputies, Levi White, 34, and Zackary King, 28, have pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses for using unlawful force on a man they arrested.“The defendants swore an oath to uphold the law, then violated that oath and abused their power by assaulting a person who was pinned to the ground and not resisting,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.“The videos from this incident are a shocking display of the violent deprivation of civil rights committed by...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Under the directive of the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a novel Global Health Security Strategy. This initiative aims to fortify the United States' position as a leader in global health security.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
An upstate New York court has accepted a mine manager's guilty plea to manslaughter in the second degree for causing the death of a mine mechanic in Grafton. Anthony Valente, the mine manager at a Grafton limestone quarry, admitted to recklessly operating a crane that resulted in the death of 35-year-old mechanic Darren Miller. Valente agreed to a six-month jail sentence and five years of probation, with a reporting date to jail set for June 14, 2024.Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health, Chris Williamson, expressed, "Like every miner, Darren Miller had the right...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
CDT Europe’s AI Bulletin for April 2024 reports significant advancements in the regulation of artificial intelligence in Europe. The European Parliament's adoption of the EU AI Act marks a crucial milestone, with 523 MEPs voting in favor, 46 against, and 49 abstentions after two years of intense negotiation.The AI Act introduces a risk-based regulatory approach, categorizing AI systems based on the level of risk they pose. Eight types of AI systems have been identified as presenting unacceptable risk and are consequently banned. Additionally, high-risk use cases,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
WASHINGTON—Policymakers are being urged to shift their focus from the nationality of cloud service providers to technical and legal criteria when assessing trustworthiness in the cloud, according to a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).The report emphasizes the importance of using objective measures related to data privacy and cybersecurity rather than making judgments based on the country of origin of cloud service providers. Nigel Cory, ITIF’s associate director of trade policy, stressed the significance of cooperation in...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has made new nominations for general officer appointments in the Army. In an announcement today, Secretary Austin revealed the following appointments:"Army Col. Grant S. Fawcett for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Fawcett is currently serving as deputy commander (Support), 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; and Operation Atlantic Resolve, Poland.""Army Col. Michael D. Rose for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Rose is currently serving as commander, 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, Fort Shafter,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has imposed a fine of $447,952 on the operator of three Kern County grocery stores following a federal investigation that found the employer had intentionally withheld overtime wages. The investigation revealed that 60 workers were denied their rightful overtime pay for working beyond 40 hours a week.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a $316 million investment to modernize passenger ferry services across the country. These services, used by three million people each month for work and daily activities, have previously benefited from funding that has enabled transit authorities to upgrade ferry service nationwide, spanning from Alaska to Maine, and Georgia to California.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer recently delivered remarks at the Access to Justice's Reentry Simulation event, expressing his gratitude to the organizers and participants for their involvement in the initiative. Mizer highlighted the importance of the simulation in shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration.Mizer acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations, including the Office for Access to Justice and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, in supporting reentry...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today the president's nominations for key positions within the Navy. Navy Vice Adm. Michael E. Boyle has been nominated for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral. If confirmed, he will take on the role of deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Boyle, who is currently serving as commander of the Third Fleet in San Diego, California, brings a wealth of experience to this position.Additionally, Navy Rear Adm. Dion D. English has been nominated for...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken decisive action to address fuel supply challenges by issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of E15 gasoline during the upcoming summer driving season. This move aims to provide relief to consumers at the pump amidst ongoing market supply issues resulting from global conflicts.Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the importance of this waiver, stating, “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will increase fuel supply, while supporting American farmers, strengthening our nation’s energy...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout on Apr 19, 2024 stating that "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss efforts to maintain regional stability, the latest developments in Gaza, and measures to accelerate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza."
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
John Can Unsalan, also known as Hurrem Can Unsalan, the president of Metalhouse LLC, a steel trading firm based in Orlando, Florida, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in a money laundering conspiracy. His former business associate, Sergey Karpushkin, a Belarusian national residing in Miami, was also sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in the scheme.The charges stem from their dealings with Sergey Kurchenko, a pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch who was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on April 19, 2024, that Alanna McCargo, President of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), will resign, effective May 3, 2024.Alanna McCargo, who has been serving in the Biden-Harris Administration since January 2021, made history by becoming the first woman and woman of color at the helm of the government corporation, with bipartisan support by the U.S. Senate.Expressing gratitude for McCargo's service and leadership, HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman stated, "I...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Kenya Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Defence Aden Duale to offer his condolences on the death of Kenya Chief of Defence Forces General Ogolla and nine other members of the Kenyan military in a helicopter crash on April 18. CS Duale described General Ogolla as a highly valued leader who worked hard to make sure U.S.-Kenya Defense Cooperation was strong. CS Duale expressed appreciation for Secretary Austin's call.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:"On April 19, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III joined NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, and NATO Allies virtually for a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Defense Ministers format."During the meeting, Secretary Austin underscored the urgent need for air defense assistance for Ukraine in light of Russia's relentless aerial attacks on critical infrastructure and civilians. He emphasized...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 19, 2024
Commissioner Caroline D. Pham will participate in a Digital Currency Roundtable hosted by the Institute of International Finance. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) at Wilmer Hale, located at 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.The Institute of International Finance will be hosting the roundtable discussion where Commissioner Pham is set to speak. The purpose of the event and the specific topics to be covered have not been disclosed in the provided information.This engagement signifies Commissioner Pham's...
