News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
A bipartisan group of Commissioners from the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) has issued a letter urging the State Department to employ existing rewards programs in order to gather information that will "deter and disrupt the market for illegally procured organs…and hold accountable those responsible for the gruesome practice" of forced organ harvesting in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). CECC Chair Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ) was joined by CECC Ranking Member Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Michelle...
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
A federal jury in Pensacola, Florida, convicted a former U.S. Army soldier yesterday for the murder of a pregnant, 19-year-old fellow soldier on a U.S. Army base in Germany more than 22 years ago. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Nov. 3, 2001, Shannon L. Wilkerson, 43, beat and strangled Amanda Gonzales to death in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne, then a U.S. Army base in Hanau, Germany. Wilkerson was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of the offense but was later discharged.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. Justice Department unsealed charges today against a Russian national for his alleged role as the creator, developer, and administrator of the LockBit ransomware group from LockBit's appearance in January 2020 through the present, a period during which LockBit was at times the most prolific ransomware group in the world.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The annual Property Management Forum held at the Realtors® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., brought together industry leaders, members of local and state associations of Realtors®, federal advocacy organizations, and professionals from across the property management spectrum to discuss pressing issues facing the sector. The event served as a platform for robust discussions on rent control, tenant protection efforts, insurance challenges, and the state of commercial real estate in the wake of the pandemic.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
On April 30, the White House released National Security Memorandum (NSM)-22 on Critical Infrastructure, to secure and enhance the resilience of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors that provide essential services to the American people, to include the energy, communications, transportation, water, and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) services that DoD relies on to operate.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division discovered that Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant Inc., operating as El Lorito, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, unlawfully dismissed an employee for utilizing federally protected medical leave. The investigation concluded that the employer failed to reinstate the worker to a comparable position upon their return from leave and subsequently fired them for refusing to relocate to a different restaurant location in another town. As a result, the employer was required to compensate the former employee for lost hourly wages and tips...
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. Justice Department has charged a Russian national with creating and running the LockBit ransomware group, which has targeted over 2,000 victims and extorted more than $100 million in ransom payments. Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, also known as LockBitSupp, faces a 26-count indictment in the District of New Jersey.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins will travel to Boston, Massachusetts, on May 6 – 8, 2024.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is advancing with a land exchange agreement with Blue Valley Ranch. The deal involves swapping 1,489 acres in Grand County for an equivalent area comprising nine parcels of federal land. This move aims to enhance public access for outdoor recreational activities in Grand and Summit Counties.
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has made $3 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds available for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to repair damages caused by a recent truck fire on I-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of I-95 by stating, “I-95 is a critical highway—for both the people of Connecticut and our nation’s transportation network—and the Biden-Harris Administration focused immediately on helping Governor Lamont quickly restore travel.”...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
On May 3, 2024, U.S. District judge Jane M. Beckering ordered Roseline Rowan, owner of Medhealth Suppliers & Providers Inc., to pay $190,648 in back wages and liquidated damages to four employees after the Wage and Hour Division found violations of the Fair Labor Standard Act’s minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping provisions. The employees, who worked as live-in caregivers at group homes in Lansing, were not paid appropriately for their services.Wage and Hour District Director Mary O’Rourke in Grand Rapids emphasized the importance of fair compensation, stating, “The...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
Shawn N. Anderson, the United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Peonie Cabrera, a 40-year-old resident of Saipan, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 6, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging residents of Gulf Coast states to start preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1. Families are advised to take proactive steps to ensure their safety before, during, and after a storm.The EPA recommends that families make a plan and discuss communication strategies in case of limited contact during a storm. This includes knowing what to do if separated and establishing a meeting point in case of evacuation.It is crucial for individuals to stay...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health has revealed the winners of the final phase of the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition. The competition aimed to identify and reward innovative programs ensuring women with hypertension during pregnancy and postpartum periods receive appropriate monitoring and follow-up.Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine emphasized the importance of recognizing programs addressing hypertension during pregnancy, stating, "By recognizing innovative programs addressing hypertension...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
About 800,000 people will begin receiving notices today that they are eligible for refunds stemming from the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 settlement with BetterHelp related to allegations that the online therapy firm used and shared consumers’ health data, including sensitive information about their mental health, with third parties for advertising.In response to the settlement, BetterHelp agreed to pay $7.8 million to settle the charges brought by the FTC. The commission accused BetterHelp of using and disclosing sensitive consumer data for advertising purposes...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson is embarking on a significant journey to Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 6-10, 2024.During his visit to Saint Lucia, Assistant Secretary Robinson will focus on U.S. initiatives to assist Caribbean nations in combating firearms trafficking. He will also announce additional support from INL to enhance the capabilities of frontline customs officers in intercepting small arms and light weapons at key Caribbean ports of entry. Moreover,...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
(Hohhot, Inner Mongolia – May 6, 2024) It is reported that in the case of Wang Honglan and other Christians in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, who were charged with “illegal business operations,” four of the involved Christians – Ji Heying, Ji Guolong, Liu Wei, and Zhang Wang – were released on bail at 10:00 a.m. on April 14, 2024, leaving the detention center and returning home. The lengthy trial began on November 20 last year and lasted nearly 50 days, finally concluding in early January this year. Four other Christians – Wang Honglan, Wang Jiale, Liu Minna, and Yang Zhijun – are...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
José Raúl Mulino has emerged victorious as the President-elect of the Republic of Panama, earning congratulations from various quarters. The United States, in particular, expressed optimism about the future relationship with the incoming leader. In a statement, the United States highlighted the importance of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing their shared objectives of democratic governance and inclusive economic prosperity. The United States also commended the people of Panama for their active participation in the electoral process, lauding their...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
Step 2:The United States has taken decisive action against executives of Colombian maritime transportation companies involved in facilitating irregular migration. In a press statement released on May 6, 2024, it was stated that these companies are preying on vulnerable irregular migrants by providing services primarily designed to aid in irregular migration to the United States.According to the statement, the U.S. government has imposed visa restrictions on these executives to promote accountability and deter profiting from vulnerable migrants. The actions are part of a...
By Federal Newswire | May 6, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced an investment of $28,650,000 towards replacing lead service lines in Alaska as part of President Biden's commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for all. The funding, provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to address the public health risks associated with lead exposure in drinking water, particularly affecting children and families.
