News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
The Justice Department has reached a settlement agreement with the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to enhance access for individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, to city buildings and civic programs. According to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, "The ADA mandates equal access to civic life for people with disabilities." U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia emphasized that "Ensuring that individuals who have disabilities are afforded equal access to local government...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the approval of New York's funding application for the Home Energy Rebates under President Biden's Investing in America agenda. New York has been awarded an initial $158 million to implement its rebate program aimed at helping families save money on energy-efficient electric appliances. This marks the first state to receive funding under this program, which is part of an effort to lower home energy costs, address the climate crisis, and promote a clean energy economy.U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has expressed his condolences following the tragic death of Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla. In a statement, Secretary Austin said, "On behalf of the Department of Defense, I send my deepest condolences to the people of Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces on the tragic death of Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla."He also acknowledged the loss of other individuals in the accident, stating, "We also mourn the loss of his teammates who died Thursday when their military helicopter crashed."...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
A Colombian national, Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa, has been extradited from Chile to the United States to face charges related to the kidnapping and assaulting of two U.S. Army soldiers in Bogota, Colombia. Silva Ochoa, also known as Tata, is set to make his initial court appearance today in Miami, Florida.Court documents reveal that Silva Ochoa and his accomplices targeted and kidnapped the two soldiers in Bogota with the intention of robbing them. The victims were drugged at a pub in Bogota and then taken to a waiting car where they were robbed of their valuables including...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) commemorated the one-year anniversary of President Biden's Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers with statements from key officials.Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of care, stating, “No one will go through their life without providing care for someone or needing it themselves. Care is a true equalizer.” He highlighted the administration's efforts to ensure access to essential care for all Americans and to support caregivers.Deputy...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
NVIDIA has announced the early access launch of 'No Rest for the Wicked' on GeForce NOW. According to NVIDIA, the game "brings a unique blend of strategy, RPG, and survival elements to the table, offering players a challenging and engaging experience."The game developer expressed excitement about the partnership with NVIDIA, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with NVIDIA to bring No Rest for the Wicked to GeForce NOW subscribers ahead of its full release." 'No Rest for the Wicked' is set to offer players a distinctive gaming experience and is now available for early...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Commissioner Caroline D. Pham is set to participate in a panel discussion titled "Enabling the Next Generation of Financial Markets and Innovation" at the Harvard Law School—Program on International Financial Systems (HLS-PIFS) Symposium. The event, focused on Building the Financial System of the 21st Century: An Agenda for Europe and the United States, will take place on April 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) at JW Marriott in Washington, DC.Pham's involvement in the symposium underscores her commitment to exploring and shaping the future of financial markets and innovation....
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Existing-home sales in the United States saw a decline of 4.3% in March, with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.19 million, as reported by the National Association of REALTORS®. This drop marks a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. The median existing-home sales price also experienced an increase, reaching $393,500, the highest price ever recorded for the month of March and marking the ninth consecutive month of year-over-year price gains.NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun commented on the current state of the housing market, noting that while home sales are...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Washington, Apr 18 2024 - On the occasion of Zimbabwe's National Day, the United States has extended its congratulations to the people of Zimbabwe as they celebrate the 44th anniversary of their country's independence.In a statement, a representative of the United States conveyed, "On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Zimbabwe as you celebrate the 44th anniversary of your country’s independence." The message emphasized a commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in its journey towards a more just, equitable, and healthy society.Furthermore,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Andrew Lofton announced in Seattle that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide $12,746,450 to public housing authorities through HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative. The funding aims to help young adults transitioning out of foster care access housing assistance to prevent homelessness.Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of supporting at-risk youth, stating, “Youth aging out of foster care are particularly vulnerable to homelessness...Every young person...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Bureau of Land Management has unveiled a final Public Lands Rule, aimed at reshaping a system that has long favored oil and gas drilling over conservation on nearly 250 million acres of public lands. The new regulations seek to prioritize ecosystem health and resilience in management decisions, marking a significant departure from historical practices. Drew McConville, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, "Today, the Biden administration is turning the page on decades of conflict...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
An Illinois man, Byron Taylor, of Homewood, has made his initial appearance on an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Chicago. The indictment charges Taylor with 21 counts of preparing false tax returns for others through his business, We Are Taxes Inc.The indictment alleges that Taylor prepared false tax returns for clients for tax years 2017 through 2020. The returns contained false information, leading clients to claim refunds they were not entitled to. The false information included fraudulent business losses, false deductions like medical expenses, gifts...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
CHICAGO (April 18, 2024) – This spring, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced the cleanup of hazardous waste resulting from a structural fire that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023, at 502 N. Main St. in Cheboygan, Michigan. The agency expects the cleanup operation to span several months.The cleanup efforts involve the removal of various hazardous materials, as stated by an EPA official who mentioned, "The cleanup involves removing hazardous debris including a catch basin contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, along with a large quantity of...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget Joan Mooney visited Georgia to showcase how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is aiding wildland fire management efforts. Mooney emphasized the importance of the collaborative partnership between various organizations in establishing the Georgia Native Seed Network to address the lack of genetically appropriate seeds in the Southeast, which can hinder wildfire recovery and habitat restoration.Mooney stated, "The solutions created through this collaborative partnership will be used to meet...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 18, 2024
In a meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Capri, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The discussions revolved around Ukraine’s progress in coordination with Allies and partners towards greater Euro-Atlantic integration, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.During the meeting, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine in its defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s ongoing aggression. The recent attacks on Ukraine’s...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) emphasized the need to maintain investments in child care and health during a Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) subcommittee hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget request for the Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Murray highlighted various critical issues, stating, “HHS really is on the frontlines of some of the most challenging issues that our families are facing: opioids, mental health, child care, so much more.”Regarding reproductive...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), along with Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), have announced the release of a series of critical security supplemental bills aimed at providing defense assistance to allies worldwide.Chairman Cole emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are living in what feels like a time in the past. Dangers are ever-escalating, with tyrannical aggression threatening the free world." He added, "If we don’t help our...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Switzerland and Sweden have joined the Artemis Accords program, an initiative established by NASA and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) in 2020. The program seeks to foster international cooperation in space exploration and promote peaceful relations among nations.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
The Justice Department has announced the establishment of 11 carjacking task forces in various U.S. Attorneys' Offices across the country to combat the rising public safety threat posed by carjackings. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The Justice Department has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe." She highlighted the success of existing task forces in cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Tampa, where carjacking rates have shown a significant decline.The newly formed task...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Living Optics CEO Robin Wang recently spoke about the company's efforts to democratize hyperspectral imaging technology. During a press conference, Wang stated, "Our goal is to make hyperspectral imaging accessible to a wider audience, not just researchers and scientists."Wang highlighted the potential applications of hyperspectral imaging in various industries, saying, "From agriculture to healthcare to environmental monitoring, the possibilities are endless. We want to empower businesses and individuals to leverage this technology for their specific needs."The CEO...
