News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 27, 2024
On the occasion of Sierra Leone's National Day, the United States of America has extended its warm congratulations to the people of Sierra Leone as they celebrate 63 years of independence. In a statement issued by the Bureau of African Affairs on behalf of the United States, there was a recognition of Sierra Leone's dedication to upholding and implementing the Agreement for National Unity, aimed at ensuring long-term peace, stability, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country.The spokesperson emphasized the shared vision between the United States and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Yi He, a co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, expressed her support for Changpeng Zhao (CZ), another co-founder and former CEO of Binance. She stated that CZ has always prioritized cooperation with law enforcement agencies. In her words, if the crypto industry is the "Wild West," then CZ "is the guardian of this wilderness." He made these remarks in a letter of support for CZ, which was filed in court on April 23 ahead of his sentencing on April 30 for a criminal charge related to inadequate anti-money laundering controls at Binance.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, which is recognized as the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally based on trading volume, has expressed regret over the lack of compliance controls during Binance's formative years. However, he stated that the company "implemented the most stringent anti-money laundering controls of any non-U.S. exchange" in 2022. This statement was part of a letter filed in court on April 23 ahead of his sentencing for anti-money laundering violations at Binance set for April 30.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
A recent study by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) identifies the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as one of Mexico's most dangerous criminal organizations. The report, published on April 15, delves into the origins and tendencies of this notorious cartel.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, has pledged to persist in holding "those who traffic in dangerous narcotics" accountable as illegal drugs continue to ravage U.S. communities. Estrada made this commitment in a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) press release on April 25.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has revealed that "more than 400,000 children" have been brought into the United States, many of whom have suffered abuse at the hands of cartels. Blackburn made this announcement on April 17.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The Biden Administration's ambitious goal to protect 30% of the nation's land by 2030, known as the 30x30 initiative, may be closer to realization than previously thought. The American Stewards of Liberty (ASL), a non-profit organization committed to safeguarding private property rights, suggests that over half of the required additional 400 million acres could be acquired within the next five years. According to ASL, this potential acquisition would be facilitated through environmental groups awarded federal funding this year, enabling the administration to gain control over...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Chairman Rostin Behnam is set to engage in a fireside chat at Syracuse University & Alumni Night in D.C. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET) at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, located at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.The fireside chat will provide an opportunity for Chairman Behnam to share insights and engage with the Syracuse University community and alumni in attendance. The event promises to be an Evening of Celebration in D.C., bringing together individuals with a shared connection to the university.This...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) took a significant step today by releasing an interim final rule (IFR) that amends the Department’s licensing policy for exports of firearms, ammunition, and related components under its jurisdiction. The changes announced are aimed at reducing the risk of legally exported firearms and related items being diverted or misused to fuel various illicit activities that threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of these...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expressed gratitude for Richard Cordray's tenure as Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Education office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), as Cordray prepares to step down at the end of June.Cardona commended Cordray's efforts, stating, “We are grateful for Rich Cordray’s three years of service, in which he accomplished more transformational changes to the student aid system than any of his predecessors." Cordona highlighted Cordray's achievements in fixing the broken student loan system, including programs like Public...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a historic new security assistance package for Ukraine, aimed at addressing the country's ongoing battlefield needs and showcasing unwavering U.S. support. The package, provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), includes a wide range of equipment to bolster Ukraine's defenses.The announcement, made on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, signifies a significant commitment from the United States to assist Ukraine in its defense efforts. The funding for this package was...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo led members of the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA) to Nairobi, where she emphasized the impact of the Commerce-wide Africa strategy. During an event at the AmCham East Africa Business Summit, Secretary Raimondo announced U.S. private sector commitments and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening bilateral commercial ties."I chose Kenya for my first official trip to Africa because of the strength of our relationship and because there is so much more our two nations can do together,"...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Qatar and Pakistan from April 26 to 30. The trip aims to strengthen ties and address key regional issues in the Middle East and South Asia.During his visit to Doha, Qatar, Under Secretary Bass will engage in discussions with senior Qatari government officials and representatives from other diplomatic missions. The focus of the meetings will revolve around providing support for Afghanistan and addressing shared security concerns in the region.Upon his arrival in Islamabad,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
A Minnesota woman, Kymberly Starr, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for preparing false tax returns on behalf of her clients. Starr, who owned and operated The Tax Lady in Maryland, inflated her clients' tax refunds by submitting false tax returns to the IRS, resulting in approximately $400,000 of tax loss.Furthermore, Starr obtained over $83,000 in COVID-19-related Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through fabricated IRS forms and filed a false claim for unemployment insurance with the Maryland Department of Labor, receiving over $55,000.U.S. District...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
John Davisson, the director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, has criticized the government's actions against TikTok, citing concerns over privacy and constitutional rights.Davisson referenced a Supreme Court case from 1969, Stanley v. Georgia, to highlight the potential infringement on individuals' rights. He emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression and autonomy in using technology.In response to the TikTok legislation, Davisson pointed out that it interferes with individuals' private consumption of information and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced its final determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products when they exceed a specific threshold (1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram or higher) for Salmonella contamination.“Under President Biden’s leadership, USDA is taking significant steps toward keeping American consumers safe from foodborne illness,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.In an effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Maryland Payroll Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes and EmbezzlementA Maryland woman, Michelle Leach-Bard, pleaded guilty to failing to pay employment taxes to the IRS and embezzling from an employee benefit plan. Leach-Bard, the owner and sole corporate officer of iProcess Online Inc., was responsible for withholding taxes from employees' wages but failed to pay them to the IRS as required. This resulted in a tax loss of $2,663,264.12.Additionally, Leach-Bard did not pay approximately $207,180.41 in wages withheld from employees' paychecks to the 401(k) Plan,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
NEW YORK and REDMOND, Wash. — April 26, 2024 — The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and Microsoft Corp. have unveiled plans for an AI Innovation Lab aimed at revolutionizing the beauty industry with advanced generative AI technology. The collaboration seeks to bolster consumer connections, accelerate product launches, and amplify local relevancy across ELC's portfolio of over 20 prestige beauty brands.Jane Lauder, EVP, Enterprise Marketing, and chief data officer at The Estée Lauder Companies, emphasized the significance of technology in enhancing consumer experiences,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
President Joe Biden signed a climate change executive order during his first month in office, establishing the goal of protecting and conserving at least 30% of the nation's lands and waters by 2030. In pursuit of this objective, the administration is currently conducting an accounting of the nation's natural assets.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 26, 2024
Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon recently delivered remarks at the Elevating Our Profession Corrections Conference and Medal Of Honor Ceremony in Chicago. During her speech, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor the distinguished Medal of Honor recipients and acknowledged their exceptional contributions to the corrections field and the safety of communities. Solomon commended One Voice for recognizing heroes in the corrections field and for their leadership on behalf of America's corrections professionals.Reflecting on her extensive career...
