News from April 2024
CFTC Approves Final Rules on Large Trader Reporting for Futures and Options
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced approval of final rules to amend its large trading reporting regulations for futures and options. These regulations require futures commission merchants, clearing members, foreign brokers, and certain reporting markets (reporting firms) to report to the Commission position information for the largest futures and options traders.The final rules replace the data elements currently enumerated in the CFTC’s regulations with an appendix specifying applicable data elements. The final rules also provide...
2024 U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission Concludes in Abuja
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The sixth round of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) concluded in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar co-chairing the event.According to the U.S. Department of State, the BNC, established in 2010, serves as a crucial platform for official engagement between the two governments to expand cooperation and advance shared goals and democratic values. This year's commission was highlighted by discussions that built upon the strong foundation set during previous meetings between...
Weadé James Appointed Senior Director of K-12 Education Policy at the Center for American Progress
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Center for American Progress has recently announced the appointment of Weadé James as the new senior director of K-12 Education Policy. James, an alumna of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), will lead CAP's initiatives in developing and communicating innovative K-12 educational policy solutions.Jared Bass, senior vice president for Education at CAP, expressed his excitement about James joining the team, stating, "I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. James to the team as our new senior director for K-12 Education Policy. She...
FTC and FCC Strengthen Cooperation on Consumer Protection Issues
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have solidified their collaboration on consumer protection matters through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In response to the FCC's recent decision to restore net neutrality, the agencies aim to work closely together in safeguarding consumers.FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "The FTC is squarely focused on protecting Americans from illegal business tactics... We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with the...
Early Bitcoin Investor Charged with Tax Fraud
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
An indictment was unsealed yesterday charging Roger Ver, an early investor in bitcoins, with mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns. Ver, formerly of Santa Clara, California, owned MemoryDealers.com Inc. and Agilestar.com Inc., two companies that sold computer and networking equipment. He also avidly promoted bitcoins, earning him the moniker "Bitcoin Jesus."Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California announced the charges. The...
Publication of U.S. Government-Funded Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Handbook for Policymakers
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) and the Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) have jointly announced the launch of the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Handbook for Policymakers. This handbook aims to empower policymakers to deploy carbon capture, utilization, and storage capabilities effectively.Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of ENR, highlighted the importance of the handbook, stating, "This Handbook is a guide to empower legislators, ministries, regulators, and state-owned companies to adopt and...
DEA’s Proposal To Reschedule Marijuana Criticized for Falling Short in Ending Criminalization
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has put forth a proposal to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Reacting to this announcement, Akua Amaning, director for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center for American Progress, expressed her views on the matter."The DEA’s proposed rescheduling of marijuana is significant but doesn’t go far enough, as full descheduling is urgently needed. Rescheduling to a Schedule III drug will do little to mitigate the harms of marijuana criminalization. For the past 20 years, the United...
Beverly Hills Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
A California businessman from Beverly Hills, Haim Jerry Kohen, has pleaded guilty to evading over $1 million in federal and state taxes. Kohen, who owned a business dealing in used clothing, admitted to underreporting or not reporting income on his tax returns for more than a decade. His evasion tactics included diverting cash payments from customers and not reporting rental income from properties he owned.According to court documents, Kohen diverted cash payments received from a significant customer, keeping the money for himself instead of depositing it into his...
EPA Announces Start of Cleanup at the Velsicol Burn Pit Superfund Site in St. Louis, Michigan
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
CHICAGO (April 30, 2024) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially commenced the cleanup operations at the Velsicol Burn Pit Superfund site located in St. Louis, Michigan. The funding for this crucial environmental initiative comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.Debra Shore, the Region 5 Administrator, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Biden-Harris Administration, stating, "Thanks to the resources provided by the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA can clean up these...
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently held a meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. In a readout of the meeting, Spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed that Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude towards Jordan for its efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken thanked Jordan for its strong coordination in facilitating the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, including through airdrops and overland deliveries."...
Department of Labor to Provide Benefits Outreach in Overland Park, Kansas for Current, Former Nuclear Weapons Workers
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Department of Labor will host an information session in Overland Park, Kansas, on May 8, 2024, for current and former nuclear weapons workers and their families employed at covered facilities on the benefits available under the federal Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Director Rachel Pond emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "The Department of Labor encourages all current and former nuclear weapons workers and their families in the Kansas City area to attend this...
Committee Republicans Take Action Against Radical Activists in Biden's Department of the Interior Amidst Rising Extremism Threat
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations convened today for an oversight hearing focusing on the growing influence of extreme activist groups within the Department of the Interior during the Biden administration. Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) expressed concerns, stating, “In Joe Biden’s Administration, extreme environmental activist groups have taken over the Department of the Interior. Their radical agendas, improperly developed in concert with Biden Administration officials, ignore the needs of local communities and put our national security at risk.”...
United States Congratulates Republic of the Marshall Islands on 45th Constitution Day
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, the citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands have been congratulated as they celebrate their 45th Constitution Day on May 1. This message was conveyed as part of the strong bond between the two nations.The United States values the unique friendship and cooperation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, considering it as the cornerstone of a shared vision for a free, open, resilient, and flourishing Pacific Islands region. The commitment to this partnership is evident in the anticipation of further...
House Defends Domestic Energy Production, Multiple Use, and Rural Communities During Lands Week
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Washington, D.C. - In response to the recent legislative developments in the U.S. House of Representatives concerning natural resource management, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) expressed strong criticism towards the Biden administration's environmental policies. Westerman highlighted the detrimental impact of these policies on federal lands and communities that rely on them.Westerman emphasized the importance of the House's efforts in combating what he described as burdensome and misguided policies from the Biden administration. He...
Biden-Harris Administration Enhances DOE's Role in Ensuring Energy Security
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has welcomed the release of National Security Memorandum 22 (NSM-22) on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, aimed at strengthening the role of Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMAs) like DOE in leading risk management across energy systems.U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing risks facing critical infrastructure, stating, "We refuse to turn a blind eye to any risks facing our critical infrastructure, and today’s announcement strengthens...
CCIA Voices Concerns Over Commerce Department's Security Proposal
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has voiced its concerns regarding a proposed rulemaking by the Commerce Department aimed at addressing cyber and security threats. In its filing, CCIA expressed reservations about the effectiveness of the proposed Customer Identification Program (CIP).CCIA urged the Commerce Department to reconsider its approach, highlighting that the NPRM could potentially hinder the private sector's efforts to prevent and combat the misuse of their services. According to CCIA, the proposed requirements could prove to...
U.S. and UAE Conduct Joint Military Dialogue
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Dave Herndon has announced that senior delegations from the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently convened at the Pentagon for the annual U.S.-UAE Joint Military Dialogue (JMD). The dialogue served as a crucial platform for enhancing the defense partnership between the two nations.During the meeting, discussions encompassed a wide array of regional and defense issues, including regional threats, counterterrorism, maritime security, air and missile defense, and security cooperation. Notably, there was a...
U.S. Department of Education Completes Processing for FAFSA Forms Impacted by Known Issues, Outlines Push to Expand Application Submissions
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has announced the completion of reprocessing 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) forms affected by known issues with IRS data, allowing institutions to now package financial aid offers. Additionally, applicants and contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) can now access and submit the online form immediately.U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, “It’s time for schools to package and send aid offers, and for all new and returning...
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignments
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff released new assignments for command senior enlisted leaders. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton Jr. will replace Navy Command Master Chief Michael S. Koch at the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa in Djibouti. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle J. Gilliam will take over from Army Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Perry at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Rose will succeed Navy Command Master Chief Timothy L. Garman at...
Former Federal Attorney Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting Numerous Children
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Former Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) attorney Mark Black, 50, of Arlington, Virginia, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in sexually exploiting numerous children. According to court documents, Black was part of online groups dedicated to persuading prepubescent girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Black and his co-conspirators recorded these acts and shared the videos among themselves. In one instance, Black induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct on a live-streaming application while another minor was...
