News published on Federal Newswire in May 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England will host a virtual Environmental Justice resource fair on May 8, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm ET. The event aims to showcase funding opportunities for New England communities, including the Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants, Healthy Communities Grant Program, and the Southeast New England Program Opportunity to Advance Resilience.

EPA Reminds New Englanders to Use Free Air Quality Monitoring Tools This Summer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding New Englanders to utilize free air quality monitoring tools this summer to stay informed and take necessary health precautions. As part of Air Quality Awareness Week from May 6 to 10, 2024, EPA and the New England states are offering resources for the public to monitor the latest air quality forecasts.EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash emphasized the importance of individual actions in reducing emissions that contribute to air pollution, stating, "When air quality is poor, we can all take...

The Heritage Foundation Launches First of Four-Part Project on How Communist China's Climate Agenda Undermines U.S. Energy Security

Today, The Heritage Foundation unveiled a new initiative entitled “Chinese Handcuffs: China’s Immobilizing Trap on U.S. Energy, Security, and Prosperity.” The project aims to shed light on the Chinese Communist Party's strategic control over "green energy" sources and the implications of the American Left's collaboration with the CCP in the fight against climate change.Victoria Coates, Vice President of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for national security and foreign policy at The Heritage Foundation, emphasized the importance of understanding Communist...

More Than 200 Tribes and Four Territories Prepare Climate Action Plans with Support from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

More than 200 Tribes and four territories have taken a significant step towards combating climate change by publishing climate action plans with financial support from President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this key milestone, highlighting the impact of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program in enabling Tribal and territorial governments to address environmental concerns and build a clean energy future.Kenneth Martin, Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office, emphasized the importance...

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara Travel to Peru and Chile

U.S. Department of State Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara is embarking on a mission to Chile and Peru, aiming to enhance the integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in international economic policy. In her upcoming itinerary, Minkara is set to engage in various impactful activities in both countries.In Chile, Minkara will take part in a Disability and Inclusion panel at the National Congress of Chile on May 6. Following this, on May 7, she will deliver remarks during the closing ceremony of the Zero Project Latin...

Florida Hospital System Agrees to Pay $1.5 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations

Baptist Health System Inc. (Baptist Health) in Florida has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act by offering improper discounts to patients. The United States alleged that Baptist Health subsidiaries provided discounts without regard to financial need, potentially in exchange for referrals or purchases of services.In response to the settlement, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated, "The department will continue to rely on the False Claims Act to address the use of prohibited remuneration to induce...

United States and Republic of Korea Discuss Energy Security and Climate Goals

The 10th Annual United States – Republic of Korea (ROK) Energy Security Dialogue took place at the Baker Institute at Rice University in Houston, Texas from April 29 to May 1, 2024. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in various energy-related areas.During the dialogue, it was noted that Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy systems have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The United States welcomed the Republic of Korea as a new member of the G7+ Energy Coordination Group, emphasizing the importance of reducing...

Chuck DeVore offers perspectives on disinformation, education, and national security

Chuck DeVore is the chief national initiatives officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He is a former state representative from California.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's call with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on May 5, 2024.During the call, Secretary Austin expressed his condolences for the IDF soldiers killed and wounded by a rocket and mortar attack launched by Hamas out of Rafah. Ryder stated, "Secretary Austin expressed his condolences for the IDF soldiers killed and wounded by a rocket and mortar attack launched by Hamas out of Rafah."Furthermore, Secretary Austin reaffirmed his commitment to the unconditional...

Commemorating the Days of Holocaust Remembrance

On May 5, 2024, during this week of National Holocaust Remembrance, the world solemnly reflects on the atrocities committed during one of the darkest chapters in human history. In a statement, it was expressed, "During this week of National Holocaust Remembrance, we remember the six million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as well as the millions of others, including Roma, LGBTQI+ persons, Slavs, and persons with disabilities who were persecuted and killed."The resilience and bravery of Holocaust survivors and their families have been...

Secretary Blinken's Engagement in Technology and Migration Matters During Trips to San Francisco and Guatemala

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to embark on a significant journey spanning across San Francisco, California, and Guatemala in the coming days. On May 6, Secretary Blinken will attend the RSA Conference in San Francisco, where he will interact with technology industry stakeholders. Additionally, he will engage with emerging technology experts in areas such as biotechnology and quantum information science and technology. During his time at the conference, Blinken will elaborate on the United States' efforts to promote a more inclusive, secure, and...

Secretary Blinken to Deliver Keynote Address at RSA Conference 2024

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at RSA Conference (RSAC) 2024 in San Francisco, California on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 3:50 p.m. PDT. The focus of his address will be on the International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. Secretary Blinken emphasized that the keynote will highlight "technology’s transformative impact on foreign policy and the U.S. vision towards an innovative, secure, and rights-respecting digital future."The keynote speech by Secretary Blinken will be open to credentialed media and will also be streamed...

Under Secretary Fernandez to Participate in High-Level Conference in Lithuania

By Federal Newswire | May 4, 2024

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is scheduled to travel to Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 6-7, 2024, to take part in the high-level Building Resilient Economy and Resisting Economic Coercion (REC) conference hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.The conference aims to foster collaboration among like-minded partners to tackle economic coercion. One of the key highlights will be discussions on the collaborative policy responses required to combat the coercive misuse of trade connections,...

Former Mexican judicial officer convicted after hiring drivers for drug transportation

In a recent development, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced last month the conviction of Gilberto Almaraz-Muniz, a Mexican national residing in the Brownsville area. Almaraz-Muniz was found guilty of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute narcotics after recruiting others to smuggle cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl into the United States. The jury deliberated for three hours before delivering their verdict following a five-day trial.

Congressional Research Service: most US-bound fentanyl is produced in Mexico, specifically by Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels

A recent study conducted by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) revealed that "most U.S.-destined illicit fentanyl appears to be produced clandestinely in Mexico," predominantly due to the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The findings were published on March 22.

Former member of Singapore's parliament: Bank CEOs who committed same crime as ex-Binance CEO 'were not charged, much less sentenced to prison'

Calvin Cheng, a former nominated member of Singapore's parliament, has expressed his views on the sentencing of Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the ex-CEO of Binance. He drew parallels between Zhao's case and those of CEOs from BNP Paribas and UBS, stating that they were fined "for the exact same charge of compliance failures" as CZ. However, he pointed out that these executives "were not charged, much less sentenced to prison." Cheng made this statement in a post dated May 1, following CZ's four-month prison sentence for anti-money laundering compliance failures.

Attorney for ex-Binance CEO: 'No defendant in a remotely similar BSA case has ever been sentenced to incarceration'

Benjamin Naftalis, a legal representative for former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ), stated that there is no precedent of a defendant in a case related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) that is "remotely similar" being sentenced to prison. This statement was shared by Naftalis in a court filing ahead of CZ's sentencing on April 30.

Chairman Gosar: illegal border crossings are ‘further undermining the autonomy of Indigenous people’

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, stated that the current border policy is negatively impacting tribal lands due to individuals linked to cartels smuggling "illicit substances" across the border. Gosar made this statement on April 10 in a press release from the House Committee on Natural Resources (HNR).

Virginia Sheriff: ‘Kilogram amounts of drugs originating from the Sinaloa Cartel traversed the US' from the Mexico border to the DC area

Sheriff Mike Chapman of Loudoun County, Virginia, has raised concerns about the movement of illegal drugs from the California-Mexico border to the DC area. During a House hearing on April 16, he stated that these drugs "included enough fentanyl to kill every man, woman, and child in Loudoun County two times over."

Rep. Ferguson introduces legislation to clarify tax codes regarding digital assets