Federal Executive Branch
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State Dept. Issues Readout of Secretary Rubio Meeting With Kyrgyz Republic Chairman of the Cabinet Kasymaliev
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Secretary Marco Rubio's meeting on April 15, 2026, with Kyrgyz Republic Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev:
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Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kyrgyz Republic Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev to discuss key priorities in the United States-Kyrgyz Republic bilateral relationship. Secretary Rubio encouraged further collaboration on immigration enforcement.
He also underscored the importance of the Kyrgyz Republic
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WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Secretary Marco Rubio's meeting on April 15, 2026, with Kyrgyz Republic Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev:
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Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kyrgyz Republic Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev to discuss key priorities in the United States-Kyrgyz Republic bilateral relationship. Secretary Rubio encouraged further collaboration on immigration enforcement.
He also underscored the importance of the Kyrgyz Republicworking to strengthen its sanctions compliance. Secretary Rubio shared opportunities to strengthen economic ties with the Kyrgyz Republic, including through infrastructure, critical mineral, and investment cooperation.
The United States looks forward to continued engagement with the Kyrgyz Republic and ongoing regional cooperation through the C5+1 diplomatic platform.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/04/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-kyrgyz-republic-chairman-of-the-cabinet-adylbek-kasymaliev/
State Dept. Issues Readout of Secretary Rubio Meeting With Kazakhstan Deputy P.M. Zhumangarin, Special Representative for Negotiations with U.S. Kazykhan
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Secretary Marco Rubio's meeting on April 15, 2026, with Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Special Representative for Negotiations with the U.S. Erzhan Kazykhan:
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Special Representative for Negotiations with the United States Ambassador Erzhan Kazykhan to expand opportunities for
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WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Secretary Marco Rubio's meeting on April 15, 2026, with Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Special Representative for Negotiations with the U.S. Erzhan Kazykhan:
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Special Representative for Negotiations with the United States Ambassador Erzhan Kazykhan to expand opportunities forbilateral cooperation.
Secretary Rubio and Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin discussed Kazakhstan's role in peacemaking and regional initiatives, and ways to expand economic ties between the United States and Kazakhstan. The Secretary welcomed Kazakhstan's active participation in the C5+1 diplomatic platform and leadership in promoting regional cooperation.
The United States remains committed to supporting Kazakhstan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and looks forward to further strengthening the U.S.-Kazakhstan strategic partnership.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/04/secretary-rubios-meeting-with-kazakhstan-deputy-prime-minister-and-minister-of-national-economy-zhumangarin/
State Department Issues Public Schedule for April 16, 2026
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for April 16, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the White House.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
11:00 a.m. Deputy Secretary Landau meets with Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang and witnesses the signing of the International Atomic Energy Agency Agreement at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
Deputy Secretary Rigas has no public appointments.
UNDER
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WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for April 16, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the White House.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
11:00 a.m. Deputy Secretary Landau meets with Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang and witnesses the signing of the International Atomic Energy Agency Agreement at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
Deputy Secretary Rigas has no public appointments.
UNDERSECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS ALLISON M. HOOKER
Under Secretary Hooker attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS JACOB HELBERG
11:00 a.m. Under Secretary Helberg participates in a U.S.-Philippines Pax Silica Declaration signing ceremony at the Department of State.
(OPEN TO PRE-REGISTERED PRESS)
12:30 p.m. Under Secretary Helberg participates in a U.S.-Finland Pax Silica Declaration signing ceremony at the Department of State.
(OPEN TO PRE-REGISTERED PRESS)
3:00 p.m. Under Secretary Helberg participates in a Council on Foreign Relations panel discussion on the Power of Commercial Diplomacy in Washington, D.C.
(MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST)
SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR FOREIGN ASSISTANCE, HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM JEREMY P. LEWIN
3:00 p.m. Senior Official Lewin participates in a CFR panel discussion on the Power of Commercial Diplomacy in Washington, D.C.
(MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST)
BRIEFING SCHEDULE
No Department Press Briefing.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/04/public-schedule-april-16-2026/
New Jersey Company Agrees to Repay $3.25 Million in CARES Act Funding
TULSA, Oklahoma, April 16 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma posted the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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New Jersey Company Agrees to Repay $3.25 Million in CARES Act Funding
A civil settlement was unsealed showing that a New Jersey company agreed to pay back $3.25 million after receiving too much funding from the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program it was ineligible to receive, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
In 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the "CARES Act." Qualifying
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TULSA, Oklahoma, April 16 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma posted the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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New Jersey Company Agrees to Repay $3.25 Million in CARES Act Funding
A civil settlement was unsealed showing that a New Jersey company agreed to pay back $3.25 million after receiving too much funding from the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program it was ineligible to receive, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
In 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the "CARES Act." Qualifyingbusinesses were authorized to obtain a forgivable disaster loan to preserve jobs in industries impacted by COVID-19. When the CARES Act was amended, applicants were allowed to seek a second round of disaster relief funding, with restrictions on funding for single corporations. Additionally, corporations seeking a second disbursement could not employ more than
300 employees.
Under the Federal False Claims Act, private individuals act as qui tam, "whistleblowers," and may bring lawsuits against entities that have committed fraud against the government. A qui tam Civil Complaint was filed by GNGH2, Inc. in March 2024, alleging that Eurecat U.S. Incorporated (Eurecat) violated the False Claims Act. Court documents show that Eurecat allegedly employed more than 9,000 people and is a subsidiary of a large publicly traded company, Albemarle Corporation. Eurecat is a New Jersey business corporation with its principal place of business in Houston, Texas. They also operate a chemical plant in
McAlester, Oklahoma.
Court documents allege that Eurecat applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the Small Business Administration in May 2020 and received $2,736,400, which was forgiven. In February 2021, Eurecat applied for a second PPP loan and received an additional $2,000,000. After receiving the funds, they sought loan forgiveness a second time, and it was granted in August 2021.
In the Settlement Agreement, Eurecat admitted to exceeding the employee threshold to be eligible for a second-draw PPP loan. They agreed to pay the United States $3,250,000, of which $2,068,44.44 is restitution. After the restitution is paid, the United States will pay GNGH2, Inc. $325,000 as its statutory share under the False Claims Act for bringing the suit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Cooper represented the Northern District of Oklahoma, and the Small Business Administration's Office of General Counsel assisted in the litigation of this case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/new-jersey-company-agrees-repay-325-million-cares-act-funding
High Museum of Art's Former Chief Operating Officer Charged With Embezzlement
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 16 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia posted the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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High Museum of Art's former chief operating officer charged with embezzlement
Brady Lum, the former chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art, was arraigned today on a federal charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Lum allegedly used his position at the High Museum to steal more than $600,000 from the museum by doctoring invoices and approving transactions for personal purchases.
"While entrusted to run the
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ATLANTA, Georgia, April 16 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia posted the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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High Museum of Art's former chief operating officer charged with embezzlement
Brady Lum, the former chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art, was arraigned today on a federal charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Lum allegedly used his position at the High Museum to steal more than $600,000 from the museum by doctoring invoices and approving transactions for personal purchases.
"While entrusted to run theHigh Museum, Lum allegedly used the museum's money as his personal slush fund and thereby betrayed one of Atlanta's civic crown jewels," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Our office will move with swift precision to prosecute individuals who abuse positions of power and trust to enrich themselves at the expense of non-profit institutions."
"We expect officials of one of our communities' historic institutions to serve as stewards -- not to loot it," said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham. "The FBI remains unwavering in its pursuit to hold accountable those who exploit their positions for selfish purposes."
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: The High Museum of Art is an iconic cornerstone of Atlanta's cultural identity, featuring a collection of more than 20,000 works of art, a dynamic schedule of special exhibitions, and engaging community-focused programs.
Lum served as the High Museum's chief operating officer from January 2, 2019, until his resignation on December 9, 2025. As COO, he was responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling the High Museum's operational and financial activities.
During his tenure as COO, Lum repeatedly purchased non-business items and services for himself, including luxury guitars and other music equipment, personal music lessons, and woodworking equipment, through direct supplier invoicing and through the High Museum's corporate credit card reimbursement process. Lum concealed the nature of his transactions in several ways, including by submitting altered invoices, using his position to exercise delegated expense approval authority, and using accounting adjustments to spread his expenses across different cost centers so that they would not be readily identified.
For example, in one instance, on or about November 29, 2024, Lum submitted an altered invoice for reimbursement through the High Museum's online expense processing platform. While the submitted invoice showed a $9,147.87 purchase of equipment that appeared to be for the museum's benefit, the original version of the invoice was for a guitar and accessories. Over the course of his scheme, Lum stole more than $600,000 from the High Museum.
Brady Lum, 59, of Atlanta, Georgia, was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher C. Bly. Members of the public are reminded that the information only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges until he is proven guilty or admits guilt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas N. Joy is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/high-museum-arts-former-chief-operating-officer-charged-embezzlement
FMCSA Upgrades DataQs Program to Improve Efficiency and Transparency for Safety Record Corrections for American Truckers
WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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FMCSA Upgrades DataQs Program to Improve Efficiency and Transparency for Safety Record Corrections for American Truckers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced updates to its DataQs program which will improve turnaround times for truckers awaiting safety record corrections. States must now meet strict deadlines and follow a three-step independent review process when handling requests to fix data on
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WASHINGTON, April 16 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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FMCSA Upgrades DataQs Program to Improve Efficiency and Transparency for Safety Record Corrections for American Truckers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced updates to its DataQs program which will improve turnaround times for truckers awaiting safety record corrections. States must now meet strict deadlines and follow a three-step independent review process when handling requests to fix data oncrashes, inspections, and violations.
The system is key to maintaining accurate safety data and ensuring fair treatment for our law-abiding truck drivers. In 2024, DataQs processed more than 71,000 requests, including at least 8,300 related to crash data.
"Accurate data keeps our roads safe. America's hardworking truck drivers deserve a system that treats them fairly. These updates guarantee due process by ensuring drivers who challenge an inspection or crash record receive an independent, unbiased, and completed review in a timely manner," said Derek D. Barrs, FMCSA Administrator.
Additional Information:
Upgrading the DataQs program is a key initiative outlined in Secretary Sean P. Duffy's Pro-Trucker Package unveiled last summer following President Trump's Executive Order aimed at improving working conditions for America's truck drivers.
FMCSA's DataQs system allows motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, and other stakeholders to request a review of federal and state data they believe is incomplete or incorrect.
Updates to the DataQs system were informed by public feedback to the July 31, 2025 Federal Register notice.
For more information about changes to the DataQs program, read the full notice submitted by FMCSA to the Federal Register.
Key Enhancements to DataQs
The revised requirements establish a more streamlined framework for handling Requests for Data Review (RDRs), specifically for states receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funding from FMCSA.
General Requirements
* States must designate points of contact for crash and inspection RDRs.
* States are required to review requests submitted within three years of an inspection and within five years of a crash.
* All decisions, especially those where no data correction is made, must include detailed explanations, evidence reviewed, and clear next steps in the review process.
* States must participate in FMCSA program reviews and follow established policies, including those related to adjudicated citations.
Three-Stage Review Process:
States must implement a multi-stage, independent review structure that includes:
1. Initial Review - Ensures decisions are not made solely by the issuing officer when denying a correction.
2. Reconsideration - Conducted by independent subject matter experts not involved in the initial decision.
3. Final Review - Completed by a senior decision-maker or independent panel, ensuring an unbiased final determination.
Timeline Standards:
* Initial reviews must be completed within 21 days.
* Reconsideration decisions must be issued within 21 days.
* Final reviews must be completed within 45 days.
* State MCSAP Lead Agencies must submit DataQs Implementation Plans detailing how they will meet the new requirements, address backlogs, and prevent future delays. To promote transparency, all approved plans will be publicly available through the DataQs system.
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Under U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is dedicated to reducing crashes, fatalities and injuries involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA oversees the safety of the nation's 9 million commercial motor vehicle drivers and ensures compliance across the trucking industry that serves as the backbone of the American economy. Visit FMCSA.dot.gov for more information.
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Original text here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/fmcsa-upgrades-dataqs-program-improve-efficiency-and-transparency-safety-record
BLS: Real Average Hourly Earnings Increased 0.3 Percent From March 2025 to March 2026
WASHINGTON, April 16 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document on April 15, 2026, from Economics Daily:
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Real average hourly earnings increased 0.3 percent from March 2025 to March 2026
Real (adjusted for inflation) average hourly earnings increased 0.3 percent from March 2025 to March 2026, seasonally adjusted, after increasing 1.3 percent over the year ended February 2026. The change in real hourly earnings resulted from a 3.5-percent increase in average hourly earnings and a 3.3-percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for
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WASHINGTON, April 16 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document on April 15, 2026, from Economics Daily:
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Real average hourly earnings increased 0.3 percent from March 2025 to March 2026
Real (adjusted for inflation) average hourly earnings increased 0.3 percent from March 2025 to March 2026, seasonally adjusted, after increasing 1.3 percent over the year ended February 2026. The change in real hourly earnings resulted from a 3.5-percent increase in average hourly earnings and a 3.3-percent increase in the Consumer Price Index forAll Urban Consumers.
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Chart: 12-month percent change in average and real average hourly earnings of all private sector employees, and the Consumer Price Index
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Over the past 5 years, the 12-month change in real average hourly earnings has ranged from -3.4 percent in April 2021 to 1.8 percent in March 2025.
These data are from the Current Employment Statistics survey (https://www.bls.gov/ces/) and are seasonally adjusted. Earnings for the most recent 2 months are preliminary. For more information, see "Real Earnings -- March 2026 (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/realer_04102026.htm)." The Consumer Price Index (https://www.bls.gov/cpi/) is used to adjust earnings for inflation.
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SUGGESTED CITATION
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Real average hourly earnings increased 0.3 percent from March 2025 to March 2026 at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2026/real-average-hourly-earnings-increased-0-3-percent-from-march-2025-to-march-2026.htm (visited April 16, 2026).
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2026/real-average-hourly-earnings-increased-0-3-percent-from-march-2025-to-march-2026.htm
