Latest News
Foreign National Extradited from Chile to the United States for Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia
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...
HHS Leadership Marks One-Year Anniversary of President Biden’s Care Executive Order
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...
Commissioner Pham to Speak at Harvard Law School—Program on International Financial Systems EU-US Symposium
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....
Existing-Home Sales Descended 4.3% in March
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...
Zimbabwe National Day: US Extends Congratulations on 44th Independence Anniversary
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,...
HUD Allocates Nearly $13 Million to Assist Youth Aging out of Foster Care
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...
Public Lands Rule Aims to Shift Balance from Oil and Gas Drilling, Says Expert
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...
Chicago-Area Tax Preparer Indicted for False Tax Returns
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...
EPA Begins Cleanup at the Cheboygan Tissue Fire Site in Michigan
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...
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mooney Highlights Wildfire Resilience Funding, Native Seed Supply from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda During Georgia Visit
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...
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
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...
Senator Murray Advocates for Investments in Child Care and Health at HHS Budget Hearing
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...
Cole Releases Series of Security Supplemental Bills
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...
DOS welcomes Switzerland and Sweden to Artemis Accord
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.
Justice Department Launches Carjacking Task Forces in Targeted Areas Across the Country
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...
Chairman Behnam to Participate in an Interview at ISDA’s 38th Annual General Meeting
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Chairman Rostin Behnam is set to participate in an interview at the upcoming ISDA’s 38th Annual General Meeting. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 11:05 a.m. Tokyo time (JT), which is Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 10:05 p.m. USA Eastern Time (ET). The venue for the meeting will be the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo, located at 6 Chome-10-3 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan.Behnam's participation in the interview at the ISDA Annual General Meeting is anticipated to provide insights and perspectives on significant matters concerning the...
Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal ahead of the second Ukraine Partnership Forum. During the meeting, Secretary Raimondo reiterated the Department of Commerce’s continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. She updated the Prime Minister on the Department’s engagement with the U.S. private sector on Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction objectives.The two also discussed the Department’s work with partners in coordinating export controls and restricting sales of advanced technologies to...
Strand Consult vice president: SEC's approach to crypto 'is not designed to protect investors from fraud or even to clarify what legal compliance means'
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Roslyn Layton, Executive Vice President of the independent consultancy firm Strand Consult, has critiqued the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to the cryptocurrency industry. In an opinion piece published by DC Journal on April 3 titled "The SEC Came to Destroy Crypto, Not to Regulate It", she stated that the SEC's approach "is not designed to protect investors from fraud or even to clarify what legal compliance means."
3 Questions To Ask During Oral Arguments in Idaho v. United States
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
The upcoming oral arguments in the case of Idaho v. United States have sparked discussions regarding the future of emergency abortion care and the intersection of law and medicine. Scheduled for April 24, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court will deliberate on whether medical providers can continue offering emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).One key aspect of the case revolves around the conflict between Idaho's near-total abortion ban and the federal requirements of EMTALA. This clash raises concerns about the ability of medical...
AIA’s Dak Hardwick Emphasizes Industry’s Role in AUKUS Success
By Federal Newswire | Apr 17, 2024
Arlington, Va. (April 17, 2024) – In a roundtable discussion with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Dak Hardwick, Vice President of International Affairs at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in ensuring the success of the AUKUS agreement. The focus of the discussion was on executing the second pillar of AUKUS to facilitate technology sharing and cross collaboration among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Hardwick emphasized the pivotal role of the aerospace and defense industry in...
