WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights Watch and Sentencing Project issued a 55-page report in June 2024 entitled "U.S. Policy on Voting Rights in Global Perspective." Here are excerpts: * * * Table of Contents Executive Summary ... 4 Introduction: US Policy and Global Law and Practice on Disenfranchisement ... 6 Overview of Trends in United States Legal Reforms ... 8 Recent US Trends to Expand and Protect Voting Rights ... 10 States that no longer disenfr more ST

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Editor's note: This article, originally featured in the I/ITSEC Show Daily, highlights insights from Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander, Air Education and Training Command, on how the Air Force is reoptimizing the development of Airmen to meet the strategic demands of great power competition. It has been republished with permission. In a recent dis more PR

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Editor's note: This article, originally featured in the I/ITSEC Show Daily, highlights insights from Lieutenant General Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, on how the Air Force is reoptimizing the development of Airmen to meet the strategic demands of great power competition. It has been republished with permission. In a recent discussion with the I/IT more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Black & Veatch, Energeia and Environmental Defense Fund issued a 41-page report on Nov. 6, 2024, entitled "Proactive Grid Investment Assessment: Medium-and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transportation Electrification." Here are excerpts: * * * About the Contributors Environmental Defense Fund One of the world's leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions for the most serious environmental problems by linking scienc more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Break Free From Plastic, Center for International Environmental Law, Friends of the Earth and Texas Campaign for the Environment issued a 39-page report in October 2024 entitled "Exiting Petrochemicals: A Policy Guide for Financial Institutions." Here are excerpts: * * * Table Of Contents Background ... 4 The US Petrochemicals Boom ... 4 Petrochemicals' Impact on the Environment and Human Health ... 5 Environmental Racism ... 8 The Climate Impacts of Petrochemicals  more ST

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. The 14th Operations Group hosted two effective coaching guest speakers on December 3, 2024, at the Columbus Event Center on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Harrison Bernstein, founder of the non-profit organization Soldiers to Sidelines, and U.S. Air Force retired Maj. Mike Kazlausky, United States Air Force Academy baseball head coach, spoke to  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: PHARR, Texas--U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility seized 34,286 pounds (15,552kg) of sweetened condensed milk, in an alleged fraudulent entry attempt. "CBP is committed to the health and safety of the American agriculture resources, which is why our agriculture specialists  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has released the following public communication on Nov. 26, 2024, from the Partners for American Industrial Readiness Blind or Significantly Disabled Employers Coalition: * * * In response to Federal Register Notice FR Doc. 2024-07789, the Partners for American Industrial Readiness Blind or Significantly Disabled Employers Coalition (PAIR-BSDEC) appreciate the AbilityOne Commission formalizing the a more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has released the following public communication dated Nov. 23, 2024, from Professional Contract Services Inc., Austin, Texas: * * * To: U.S. AbilityOne Commission 355 E Street SW, Suite 325 Washington, DC 20024 Re: Information Collection Request Comments on AbilityOne Disability Qualification Determination Form * * * Dear U.S. AbilityOne Commission: Thank you for the opportunity to provide fe more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a 74-page report in November 2024 entitled "Annual Report of the CFPB Student Loan Ombudsman." Here are excerpts: * * * Table of Contents Table of contents ... 1 Executive Summary ... 3 1 Barriers to Federal Student Loan Repayment ... 8 1.1 Federal student loan population overview ... 8 1.2 Servicing errors ... 10 1.3 Communication errors ... 25 1.4 Doom loop ... 32 2 Federal Student Loan Program Background ... 34  more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 5, 2024: * * * Name of Product: Redfield 12- and 18-Gun Fireproof Safes Hazard: The mechanical internal locking plates can fail to align and allow unauthorized users to open the gun safes, posing a serious injury hazard and risk of death. Remedy: Refund/Replace Recall Date: December 05, 2024 Units: About 6,100 Consumer Contact: Academy Sports + Outdoors toll-free at 888-922-2336 from 7 a more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the following public communication dated Nov. 27, 2024, from Encino Environmental Services, Katy, Texas, and Sensia Solutions, Madrid, Spain. Here are excerpts: * * * Use of Advanced and Emerging Technologies for Quantification of Annual Facility Methane Emissions Under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Request for Information (RFI) EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0350 FRL 12138-01-OAR Response Provided by Sensia Solutions an more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the following public communication dated Nov. 27, 2024, from GHGSat Inc., Houston, Texas: * * * INTRODUCTION GHGSat is pleased to submit comments on the Use of Advanced and Emerging Technologies for Quantification of Annual Facility Methane Emissions Under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0350). The company utilizes both satellites and aircraft-based sensors for the remote sensing of greenhouse ga more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: BOSTON U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested Salvador Castro Garcia, 46, after the Brockton District Court released him on bail Nov. 21. Castro, a Honduran national who also goes by the name Jose Luis Sanchez-Cruz, is accused of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and assault and battery. "Castro is more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024: For a fourth year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $20 million being awarded to 20 airport-owned airport traffic control towers across the country, spanning 15 states. This funding will be used to upgrade existing or build new control towers across the country, delivering on President Biden's vision to rebuild our nation's infrastruct more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following enforcement news release: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas entered a consent order imposing permanent injunctive relief, civil monetary penalty, restitution, and equitable relief against of Hawaii for his fraudulent solicitation and misappropriation of funds in connection with two commodity pools. The consent order requires Bri more PR

OCALA, Florida, Dec. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release: United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Shane McMillan (51, Texas) to 25 years in federal prison following jury verdicts finding McMillan guilty of assault with the intent to commit murder and possession of a prohibited object by a federal inmate. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, McMillan was an inmate in the Coleman Federal  more PR

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi details how the Global College of Professional Military Education provides the force with agility needed to re-optimize the force for Great Power Competition at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, December 5th, 2024. The availability of distance learning education and training allows the force to maintain levels of readiness without p more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation issued the following news release: For a fourth year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $20 million being awarded to 20 airport-owned airport traffic control towers across the country, spanning 15 states. This funding will be used to upgrade existing or build new control towers across the country, delivering on President Biden's vision to rebuild our nation's infrastructure through his Investing in America agenda. T more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Senior leaders from the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence and other units on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston served Thanksgiving dinner to service members, retirees, and families at the Rocco and Slagel dining facilities on Nov. 28. Named Operation Thanksgiving, Mission Green Tab, the tradition gives leaders an opportunity to thank the tr more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2024: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety. "All 21 of today's awardees have demonstrated wh more PR

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Powell, 81st Training Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Montgomery, 2nd Air Force command chief, prepare and serve plates at the Azalea Dining Facility for Thanksgiving lunch on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Nov. 28, 2024. Thanksgiving was served by senior leaders across the installation to those unable to go home for the holiday. (U.S. more PR

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 6 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release: * * * Additional defibrillators, medical kits will enhance police response to medical emergencies * * * LAKEWAY, Texas - The Lakeway Police Department soon will acquire additional portable external defibrillators, medical kits and other emergency medical equipment, thanks to a $24,438 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative. The Community Development Partn more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, issued the following news release: Pushes for Senate Confirmation of Forest Service Chief Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Forest Service Accountability Act, legislation designed to bring greater transparency and public accountability to the leadership of the U.S. Forest Service. The bill would change the Chief of the Forest Service position from a career appointment to a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed role. "The Forest Service  more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Medical Noncommissioned Officer Academy hosted the Joint Base San Antonio National American Indian Heritage Month Observance on Nov. 20 at Blesse Auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Every November, we join the nation in recognizing and celebrating the rich and diverse cultures, tradi more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03) in calling on the U.S. Department of Education to discharge student loan debt for hundreds of thousands of students who wer more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: New funding initiative will support New Mexico's farmers and producers while reducing water losses Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Water-Saving Commodities Program to support agricultu more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: New funding initiative will support New Mexico's farmers and producers while reducing water losses Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Water-Saving Commodities Program to support agricultura more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and National Association of State Energy Officials issued a 23-page report in October 2024 entitled "Energy and Industrial Use Cases for Advanced Nuclear Reactors." The report was written by NARUC Technical Advisor Kathryn Kline. Here are excerpts: * * * Acknowledgments This report was developed under the project, "U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The National Women's Law Center issued a 6-page report in October 2024 entitled "Connection & Community: Elevating The Impact of Latina Early Educators." The report was written by Karla Coleman-Castillo. Introduction Ask a family what they seek while they search for child care and early learning options, and their answers are bound to vary widely. It could be largely dependent on their work schedules, the availability in their communities, or the specific environment the more ST

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Joint Base San Antonio's Natural Resources Office, Fire & Emergency Services and Air Force Wildland Fire Branch officials plan to conduct prescribed burns at JBSA-Camp Bullis Dec. 9-17 as weather conditions allow. Residents near JBSA-Camp Bullis may see or smell smoke while the burn is in progress. The burns are intended to reduce fuel loads, such as more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On Wednesday, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) instructed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Biden administration to preserve all information related to the border crisis and illegal aliens they have released into American communities. Representative Roy wrote in a letter,"Since February 2021, Members of Congress, including myself, have sent you countless requests for information about DHS's policies a more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), proudly announced Roma Ibarra and Aaliyah Molina as the winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Texas's 28th District. Roma and Aaliyah, both sophomores at Hebbronville High School, earned first place with their innovative app, Space Navigator. This space-themed platformer game challenges users to overcome level-based obstacles as they advance throug more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release: Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) announced the results of internal leadership elections for the 119th Congress, the seventeenth Congress in the history of the CPC. The new leadership will oversee a Caucus of nearly 100 members with the addition of 9 freshmen from diverse districts across the nation. The members elected unanimously by their colleagues today include: Representative Greg Casar more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Lt. Col. Nathan Smith, a Family Medicine Specialist with the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence quarterly awards ceremony on Dec. 3, 2024. Smith has served with MEDCoE for 2 1/2 years, participating in the U.S. Army Medical Department Exchange Program. He is more PR

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Army Medicine issued the following news: By Jose Rodriguez, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, TX - Lt. Col. Nathan Smith, a Family Medicine Specialist with the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence quarterly awards ceremony on Dec. 3, 2024. Smith has served with MEDCoE for two and a half years participating in the U.S. Arm more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Poland, a logistical hub for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, is a major target of evolving Russian cyberattacks. Poland Cyber Command and Sixteenth Air Force reinforced their commitment to defeating malicious cyber actors in the information environment during a recent Poland Cyber Command delegation visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland,  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Texas A&M University Public Policy Research Institute issued a 114-page report for the Texas Veterans Commission in November 2024 entitled "Needs Assessment of Texas Veterans 2024 Findings." Here are excerpts: * * * Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... II ABOUT US ... I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ... I INTRODUCTION ... 1 STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ... 1 REGIONAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ... 11 TVC FVA REGION 1 - PANHANDLE ... 11 TVC FVA REGION 2 - WEST TEXAS ... 15 more ST

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 6 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024: Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a major victory against the Biden-Harris Administration after suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") for unlawfully adopting a rule to nullify state laws that secure parents' rights to consent to their children's medical care. In July 2024, Attorney General Paxton sued HHS for conditioning the receipt of federal funds under Ti more PR

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 6 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024: Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded a major victory for Texas small businesses as a federal judge granted a nationwide preliminary injunction against an unconstitutional federal law that would have imposed major costs on tens of millions of small businesses through illegal and burdensome regulations. Attorney General Paxton filed an amicus brief in the case in support of Texas busines more PR

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 6 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2024: Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Castroville, having completed the multi-step training and certification process, has been designated as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Film Commission. "Congratulations to Castroville on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation and joining more than 175 other Texas communities that have received this recognition," said Gove more PR

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marks the beginning of Belgium's transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component. The initial cadre of Belgian pilots is at Luke AFB to commence training, as Belgium and the United States collaborate to build a  more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Time is running out to review and update your TRICARE health plan for 2025. TRICARE Open Season ends Tuesday, Dec. 10, marking your last day to enroll in a new plan or make changes to your health coverage. This annual period gives you the opportunity to ensure your family has the right healthcare coverage for your needs in the coming year. "If you wan more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Transportation Command issued the following news release: SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- U.S. Transportation Command's (USTRANSCOM) Defense Personal Property Management Office (DPMO), in coordination with the military services and U.S. Coast Guard, has authorized 20 additional installations to begin ordering Global Household Goods (GHC) shipments. Two of the installations began in mid-November with the additional 18 beginning in December. N more PR

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Dec. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence recently welcomed two new members into the Sergeant Major of the Army Leon L. Autreve Chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Inducted into the prestigious military club were Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Helgeson and Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Tucker during a ceremony at Blesse Auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-L more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) reintroduced the Nondebtor Release Prohibition Act to explicitly prohibit the use of non-consensual, non-debtor releases in bankruptcy. This legislation would protect consumers, workers, and families from companies and individuals attempting to exploit the bankruptcy system to evade accountability to victims. more PR

SPOKANE, Washington, Dec. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington issued the following news release: On December 5, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Tyler Keith Andrews, age 39, of Russellville, Arkansas, to 196 months in federal prison in connection to a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in COVID-19 funds by directing, assisting, facilitating, and submitting false and fraudulent loan applications. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years more PR