Federal Executive Branch
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State Dept.: Official Campaign Launch for U.S. Candidates at the International Telecommunication Union
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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Official Campaign Launch for United States Candidates at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The United States has officially launched campaigns to re-elect Doreen Bogdan-Martin as ITU Secretary-General, elect Jennifer Warren to the ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB), and re-elect the United States to the ITU Council. The campaign launch took place during the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) Assembly in San Jose, Costa Rica, March 16-19, 2025. These elections
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WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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Official Campaign Launch for United States Candidates at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The United States has officially launched campaigns to re-elect Doreen Bogdan-Martin as ITU Secretary-General, elect Jennifer Warren to the ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB), and re-elect the United States to the ITU Council. The campaign launch took place during the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) Assembly in San Jose, Costa Rica, March 16-19, 2025. These electionswill take place during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar, in November 2026.
Strong U.S. leadership at the ITU helps foster innovation and economic growth through resilient and secure connectivity. The ITU helps set the international frameworks for spectrum and satellite communications that power communications networks and the modern economy. As the world's leader in telecommunication and information and communication technology, the United States proudly promotes exceptional leadership at the ITU.
In her first term as Secretary General of the ITU, Ms. Bogdan-Martin has delivered principled, results-driven leadership grounded in transparency, accountability, and technical excellence. As the U.S. candidate for RRB, Ms. Warren offers more than three decades of experience in spectrum, space, satellite, and radiocommunications policy across government, industry, and academia. For re-election to the ITU Council, the United States will continue contributing to the organization's governance and oversight as the ITU's founding member and the organization's largest financial contributor.
At a moment when technology is reshaping economies worldwide, U.S. leadership at the ITU is critical. Voting for the United States is a vote for an ITU that remains focused on solutions that drive innovation and prosperity.
For more information, visit the U.S. candidates for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) page (https://www.state.gov/u-s-candidates-for-the-international-telecommunication-union-itu).
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/official-campaign-launch-for-united-states-candidates-at-the-international-telecommunication-union-itu/
Second Southern Colorado Funeral Home Operator Sentenced To 18 Years In Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty To Defrauding Grieving Families, COVID-19 Funds
DENVER, Colorado, March 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado posted the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Second Southern Colorado Funeral Home Operator Sentenced To 18 Years In Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty To Defrauding Grieving Families, COVID-19 Funds
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announces that Carie Hallford, 49, of Colorado Springs was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and $1,070,413.74 in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Hallford,
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DENVER, Colorado, March 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado posted the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Second Southern Colorado Funeral Home Operator Sentenced To 18 Years In Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty To Defrauding Grieving Families, COVID-19 Funds
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announces that Carie Hallford, 49, of Colorado Springs was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and $1,070,413.74 in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Hallford,who owned and operated Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs and Penrose with her then husband and codefendant, Jon Hallford, mishandled at least 190 bodies over four years and defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) through fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications. Jon Hallford was sentenced in June 2025 to 240 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,070,413.74 in restitution for his role in the conspiracy.
According to the plea agreement, from as early as September 2019 through October 2023, Hallford and her husband failed to cremate or bury at least 190 bodies, despite having collected more than $130,000 from grieving families for funeral services that were never provided. The defendants failed to provide the basic core service it promised to some of its customers, either a cremation or a burial, and continued to collect payment from victims for funeral services and goods.
The plea agreement further states that Carie Hallford handled much of the banking, invoicing, contracting with customers, filing of required paperwork, bookkeeping and communications with customers. Both defendants routinely prepared death certificates for the deceased and then filed those certificates with the State of Colorado's Electronic Death Registry. On many of the death certificates for the bodies found at the Penrose location, the defendants falsely stated that the "method of disposition" was by either cremation or burial when in truth there was no disposition as the bodies were left decomposing at the Penrose location. To carry out and execute the above fraud scheme, the defendant and her husband worked together to cause multiple interstate wire communications to occur.
The plea agreement goes on to state that from March 2020 to March 2022, Hallford and her husband conspired to defraud the SBA by submitting loan applications containing false information to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. As a result of this fraud, they received three separate disbursements from the SBA, totaling $882,300. The funds were obtained through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was established to provide emergency support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On October 5, 2023, federal and state officials searched the Penrose location, where they discovered multiple decomposing human remains in hazardous conditions. The toxic environment posed serious health risks to first responders and the public, requiring hazmat suits and strict decontamination protocols. The EPA later condemned and demolished the building, classifying it as a toxic waste site.
"It takes an exceptionally sick person to even think of a fraud scheme like Jon and Carie Hallford's, let alone carry it out. Their disregard for fundamental human dignity is almost beyond belief," said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. "I hope the victims take some solace in the serious sentences handed down to both Hallfords. This case doesn't right the wrongs the victims have suffered, but it does stand as an unequivocal condemnation of the Hallfords' horrific criminal conduct."
"The defendant defrauded grieving families she agreed to serve while deceiving the federal government in order to obtain benefits meant to assist businesses during the pandemic," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. "She denied families well deserved dignity and showed blatant disregard for government rules. She lied and exploited families and systems to enrich her lifestyle with absolutely zero regard for the great harm she caused to so many."
The District of Colorado's U.S. Attorney's Office heads one of five national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams, which is focused on combatting and preventing COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
United States District Judge Nina Y. Wang presided over the hearing.
The FBI Denver Field Office and the United States Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Several other state and local law enforcement agencies including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Coroner's Office, the Fremont County Sheriff's Office, and the Fremont County Coroner's Office have made significant contributions to this case.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Neff and Craig Fansler.
Case Number: 1:24-cr-00113-NYW
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/second-southern-colorado-funeral-home-operator-sentenced-18-years-federal-prison-after
Foundations Course Equips Airmen for Leadership, Mission Success in NCR
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland, March 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base Andrews (316th Wing) issued the following news:
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Foundations course equips Airmen for leadership, mission success in NCR
By Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens 316th Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 316th Wing and other units across the National Capital Region are completing the Foundations Course at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, which began hosting classes in August 2024.
The program develops leadership skills and professional expertise, preparing Airmen to take on critical roles in support of missions across
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JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland, March 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base Andrews (316th Wing) issued the following news:
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Foundations course equips Airmen for leadership, mission success in NCR
By Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens 316th Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 316th Wing and other units across the National Capital Region are completing the Foundations Course at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, which began hosting classes in August 2024.
The program develops leadership skills and professional expertise, preparing Airmen to take on critical roles in support of missions acrossthe NCR and the total force.
"The Foundations courses are about preparing Airmen to step into critical roles across the force," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Helms, 316th Wing command chief. "Step in, get the job done, and move the mission forward. In order to make sure you can do that, the Air Force had to make a change -- and that's why we have Foundations."
The program offers three levels of instruction: Foundations 300 for junior enlisted Airmen, Foundations 500 for noncommissioned officers and Foundations 700 for senior noncommissioned officers. Airmen from the active duty, guard, reserve and Space Force all attend to develop leadership skills, enhance critical thinking and prepare for increased responsibilities across the total force.
The course challenges participants to ask "why," consider the bigger picture of the mission and apply lessons beyond the classroom. It covers leadership competencies across tiers, from standards and supervisor skills for junior Airmen to team development, influence tactics and organizational improvement for senior noncommissioned officers.
"I coordinate course execution, manage instructors, oversee student enrollment and ensure policy compliance," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Diana Guy, 316th Force Support Squadron Professional Development noncommissioned officer in charge. "Foundations courses bridge the gap between Enlisted Professional Military Education milestones by delivering relevant, comprehensive content across the enlisted airmanship continuum. Its mission is to prepare and empower E-3 through E-7 Airmen to make informed decisions executing commanders' intent, enhancing total force readiness, and supporting the joint force across the domains of warfare."
By completing the Foundations course, Airmen gain the knowledge and confidence to support multiple missions and integrate with mission partners across the NCR. Programs like this ensure Airmen graduate as mission ready Airmen who can respond to evolving requirements and move the mission forward when called upon.
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Original text here: https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4436535/foundations-course-equips-airmen-for-leadership-mission-success-in-ncr/
Energy Department Announces $293 Million in Funding to Support Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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Energy Department Announces $293 Million in Funding to Support Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced funding to advance the Genesis Mission's efforts to tackle the nation's most complex science and technology challenges. This includes a $293 million Request for Application (RFA),"The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI." Through this RFA, DOE invites interdisciplinary teams to leverage novel
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WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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Energy Department Announces $293 Million in Funding to Support Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced funding to advance the Genesis Mission's efforts to tackle the nation's most complex science and technology challenges. This includes a $293 million Request for Application (RFA),"The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI." Through this RFA, DOE invites interdisciplinary teams to leverage novelAI models and frameworks to address over 20 national challenges spanning advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, and quantum information science.
"The Genesis Mission has caught the imagination of our scientific and engineering communities to tackle national challenges in the age of AI," said Under Secretary for Science Dario Gil and Genesis Mission Director. "With these investments we seek breakthrough ideas and novel collaborations leveraging the scientific prowess of our National Laboratories, the private sector, universities, and science philanthropies."
The RFA is open to interdisciplinary teams from DOE National Laboratories, U.S. industry, and academia. Phase I awards will range from $500,000 to $750,000 and will support a nine month project period. Phase II awards will range from $6 million to $15 million over a three year project period. Teams may apply directly to either phase in FY 2026, and successful Phase I teams will be eligible to compete for larger Phase II awards in future cycles.
Phase I applications and Phase II letters of intent are due April 28, 2026. Phase II applications are due May 19, 2026. DOE plans to hold an informational webinar about this RFA on March 26, 2026.
For full eligibility, application instructions, and challenge details, see the official NOFO: DE-FOA-0003612. Registration instructions and other details will be posted here.
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Original text here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-293-million-funding-support-genesis-mission-national-science
Department of Justice: W International Companies Agree to Pay $10.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Overcharging the Air Force and the Navy for Weld Tables
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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W International Companies Agree to Pay $10.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Overcharging the Air Force and the Navy for Weld Tables
The Justice Department today announced that W International LLC, W International SC LLC, Precision Metal Equipment Handling LLC, and Edward Walker (collectively, "Defendants") have agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that they knowingly overcharged the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy for weld tables.
W
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WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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W International Companies Agree to Pay $10.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Overcharging the Air Force and the Navy for Weld Tables
The Justice Department today announced that W International LLC, W International SC LLC, Precision Metal Equipment Handling LLC, and Edward Walker (collectively, "Defendants") have agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that they knowingly overcharged the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy for weld tables.
WInternational LLC, a Michigan company, and W International SC LLC, a South Carolina company, were both engaged in the business of industrial welding and metal fabrication. Edward Walker was the Chief Executive Officer of both companies. Precision Metal Equipment Handling LLC is a Michigan company that manufactured weld tables for W International SC LLC.
"Contractors and subcontractors are expected to charge no more than authorized under their contracts with the military," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "We will continue to ensure the government gets the prices it bargained for on defense contracts."
"Exploiting the procurement process for our military's necessary materials unduly increases the burden on taxpayers," said U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. "We'll continue to work with our partners to support our service members and protect our taxpayers."
"To meet global demands, the Navy must accelerate shipbuilding. However, contractors who overcharge betray the public's trust and undermine this critical mission," said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. "NCIS and our partners are committed to protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring every dollar is spent in accordance with the contract."
"As the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense's Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is steadfastly committed to protecting the integrity of DoD's procurement process and holding contractors accountable," said Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "Fraud on DoD contracts diverts critical taxpayer resources away from our warfighters. DCIS will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain."
The allegations resolved by the settlement concern federal funds provided to W International SC to refurbish and equip a large-scale welding facility. As part of that effort, the United States alleges, the Defendants submitted or caused to be submitted claims for payment that overcharged for weld tables supplied for the facility. Funding for the project was provided through the Defense Production Act pursuant to a U.S. Air Force Technology Investment Agreement, and as Supplier Development Funds pursuant to a Navy prime contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat.
The allegations resolved by this settlement arose from a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act under which private citizens can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, John Klausmeier, a former employee of W International SC LLC, to receive $1,863,750 as his share of the settlement.
This case was handled by the Department of Justice's Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch; the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
The matter was handled by Senior Trial Attorney Greg Pearson of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Leventis for the District of South Carolina.
The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Klausmeier v. W International, LLC, Civil Action number 22-cv-1774 in U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/w-international-companies-agree-pay-105m-settle-false-claims-act-allegations-overcharging
Charleston County School Board Member Indicted for Bribery and COVID Fraud
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina posted the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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Charleston County School Board Member Indicted for Bribery and COVID Fraud
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a five-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney's Office, charging Kevin Dion Hollinshead, 64, of North Charleston, for accepting a bribe in exchange for his influence and official action as a Charleston County School District Trustee and for wire fraud and bank fraud related to COVID relief
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 18 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina posted the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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Charleston County School Board Member Indicted for Bribery and COVID Fraud
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a five-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney's Office, charging Kevin Dion Hollinshead, 64, of North Charleston, for accepting a bribe in exchange for his influence and official action as a Charleston County School District Trustee and for wire fraud and bank fraud related to COVID reliefloans.
The indictment alleges that Hollinshead accepted a bribe in exchange for his support of a construction company's pursuit of an appeal arising from a failed bid for a construction project. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Hollinshead encouraged an executive from the construction company to hire a consultant to assist them in navigating the appeal process. The consultant agreed to kickback a portion of his consulting fee from the construction company to Hollinshead. Moreover, Hollinshead, knowing that the consultant intended to pay him a kickback from his consulting fee, used his official position as a member of the Charleston County School District's Board of Trustees to influence the appeal process in favor of the construction company.
The indictment a further alleges that in 2020 and 2021, Hollinshead applied for two loans through the pandemic relief programs that were administered by the Small Business Administration. In addition to including false information in the loan applications related to his business' revenues and employment figures, Hollinshead used the loan proceeds for non-qualifying, personal expenses such as a medical procedure at a clinic in Mexico.
"As alleged, Hollinshead used his position and influence as a school board member for personal gain," said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. "Our office will continue to hold elected officials who violate the public trust accountable, particularly when that trust involves the well-being of our children's education."
Hollinshead faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, supervised release for three years, and a $1 million fine. Hollinshead is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Molly H. Cherry, United States Magistrate Judge, on March 18 in Charleston.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/charleston-county-school-board-member-indicted-bribery-and-covid-fraud
BLS Southeast Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Alabama Third Quarter 2025
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 18 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Alabama Third Quarter 2025 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southeast Region - March 17, 2026
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Employment rose in 4 of the 7 largest counties in Alabama from September 2024 to September 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted that Baldwin County had the largest over-the-year increase in employment, with a gain of 3.5 percent. (See chart 1 and table 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among
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ATLANTA, Georgia, March 18 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Alabama Third Quarter 2025 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southeast Region - March 17, 2026
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Employment rose in 4 of the 7 largest counties in Alabama from September 2024 to September 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted that Baldwin County had the largest over-the-year increase in employment, with a gain of 3.5 percent. (See chart 1 and table 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment amongthe largest counties in Alabama, September 2025
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Among the seven largest counties in Alabama, employment was highest in Jefferson (368,200) in September 2025. Together, the seven largest counties accounted for 55.8 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 372 largest counties comprise 73.2 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2024.)
Large county average weekly wages in the third quarter 2025
All seven large Alabama counties reported average weekly wage gains over the year. (See chart 2.) Baldwin had the largest gain (+5.4 percent). Over-the-year wage gains among Alabama's other six large counties ranged from 4.5 percent to 2.7 percent.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Alabama, third quarter 2025
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Among Alabama's largest counties, Madison ($1,523) had a weekly wage above the national average of $1,459. Average weekly wages among Alabama's other six large counties ranged from $1,382 in Jefferson to $1,037 in Baldwin.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the third quarter of 2025
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 60 small counties in Alabama, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2024. (See table 2.) Wage levels in 59 of the 60 smaller counties were below the national average. Washington reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,775). Geneva reported the lowest average weekly wage ($839) in the state.
Among all 67 Alabama counties, 7 reported average weekly wages of less than $900, 22 had wages from $900 to $974, 16 had wages from $975 to $1,049, 9 had wages from $1,050 to $1,124, and 13 had average weekly wages of $1,125 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Alabama, third quarter 2025
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release. Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
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The County Employment and Wages release for the fourth quarter 2025 is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (ET).
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the seven largest counties in Alabama, third quarter 2025
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Alabama, third quarter 2025
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, third quarter 2025
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/southeast/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_alabama_20260317.htm
