BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 1 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: GALVESTON, Texas - A total of 23 people were taken into custody following the return of a 50-count indictment alleging cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and meth trafficking and related crimes in the Houston and Galveston areas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge, Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attor  more

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida, April 1 -- The U.S. Central Command issued the following news release: TAMPA, Fla. - At 9 a.m. (Sanaa time) April 1, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist unmanned surface vessel (USV) in self-defense. It was determined this USV presented a threat to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, an  more

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida, April 2 -- The U.S. Central Command issued the following news release: TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command conducted an airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on April 2, 2024, at 1:23 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. The joint operation included four C-130 U.S. Air Force aircraft and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S humanitarian assistance supplies. U.S. C-130s d  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation issued the following news release: In a continuing effort to create more affordable housing and transportation choices for Americans, the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced $17.6 million in grants going to 20 communities in 16 states to support equitable transit-oriented development. With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FTA's Pi  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, April 3 -- The city of West Palm Beach issued the following news on April 2, 2024: The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to announce the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Gaines Park Tennis & Community Centers. Scheduled to take place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10 a.m., this event signifies a significant step forward in the City's commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities and fostering community cohesion. The groundbreaking ceremony  more

LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 3 -- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued the following news release: Attorney General Hilgers announced a Kentucky federal judge blocked the Biden Administration's highway emissions rule that attempted to drive gas-powered cars off the road. A coalition of 21 state attorneys general brought a challenge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against the Federal Highway Administration's rule that attempted to force states to reduce CO2 e  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 3 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A total of 23 people were taken into custody following the return of a 50-count indictment alleging cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and meth trafficking and related crimes in the Houston and Galveston areas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge, Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The indict  more

EGLIN AFB, Florida, April 3 -- The U.S. Air Force's Eglin Air Force Base issued the following news: By Kevin Gaddie, Tam Eglin Public Affairs This year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off with a 5k run, March 29. The AFAF fundraiser provides monetary assistance to eligible Airmen, Guardians and their families to help with emergency needs, education assistance, family support and more. AFAF partners with four foundations: the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation; the Air Fo  more

EGLIN AFB, Florida, April 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the following news: By Capt. Lindsey Brewer & Samuel King Jr. The 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing welcomed the first three F-16 Fighting Falcons ready to take part in the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model - Autonomy Flying Testbed program. VENOM-AFT is designed and funded to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. VENOM-AFT complements the Autonomy Data and AI   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: In a continuing effort to create more affordable housing and transportation choices for Americans, the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced $17.6 million in grants going to 20 communities in 16 states to support equitable transit-oriented development. With funding  more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the continued successes of the Hope Florida initiative by releasing video testimonials from three Floridians served by Hope Florida. "Through Hope Florida, we are showing what is possible when business and nonprofit leaders collaborate to help individuals unlock their God-given potential," said First Lady Casey DeSantis. "Since its ince  more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issued the following news release: Attorney General Ashley Moody is announcing a federal judge blocked the Biden administration's highway emissions rule that tried to drive gas-powered cars off the road. In a 21-state coalition of attorneys general, Attorney General Moody brought a challenge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against the Federal Highway Administration's rule that attempted to for  more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the number of Americans rescued from political turmoil in Haiti by the State of Florida now exceeds 200 individuals. Since the Florida Division of Emergency Management's first state coordinated rescue flight on March 20, a total of 220 Americans have been successfully evacuated from Haiti to Florida. The evacuations have been executed by   more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Kevin McDonald to the School Board of Indian River County. Kevin McDonald McDonald, of Vero Beach, is retired and previously served as a Business Development Manager for Ricoh Americas Corporation. He is the former Chairman, President, and Treasurer of The Geneva School of Manhattan Board of Directors. McDonald earned his   more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- The Florida Public Service Commission issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a reduction of approximately $662 million in 2024 fuel costs for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). This mid-course correction to FPL's fuel factors is attributed to lower than expected natural gas prices, excess natural gas in storage, and milder weather. FPL included in its request the $5 million fuel cost cred  more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- The Florida Public Service Commission issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved new water and wastewater rates for Pluris Wedgefield, LLC (Pluris) in Orange County. In October 2023, Pluris petitioned the PSC to increase its water and wastewater rates. Pluris provides water and wastewater service to approximately 1,740 water customers and 1,710 wastewater customers. The utility's last comprehen  more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- The Florida Public Service Commission issued the following order authorizing appearance as qualified representative (Docket No. 20240008-OT; Order No. PSC-2024-0084-FOF-OT) on April 2, 2024: * * * In re: Applications for qualified representative status. ORDER AUTHORIZING APPEARANCE AS QUALIFIED REPRESENTATIVE Pursuant to a request made under Rule 28-106.106, Florida Administrative Code, Nihal Shrinath shall be designated as a qualified representative, author  more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- The Florida Public Service Commission issued the following weekly summary of orders in generic dockets: * * * DOCKET NO. 20240008-OT DATE FILED: 04/02/2024 ORDER NO. AND DESCRIPTION: PSC-2024-0084-FOF-OT Final Order PSC-2024-0084-FOF-OT authorizing appearance as qualified representative to Nihal Shrinath for Sierra. DOCKET TITLE: Applications for qualified representative status. * * * Original text here: https://www.floridapsc.com/weekly-order-details?st  more

ORLANDO, Florida, April 2 -- The Florida State Senate issued the following statement on April 1, 2024, by State Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando: * * * With the announcement of the Florida Supreme court decision approving the language of a ballot initiative that would protect access to abortion, Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) speaks out: "The language of Amendment 4 is perfectly clear and we are thankful that a majority of the members of the Florida Supreme Court agreed." Floridians Protecti  more

TAMPA, Florida, April 3 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release: U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario (29, Cleveland, OH) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for conspiring to traffic firearms, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and money laundering. A co-conspirator, Saleh Yusuf Saleh (24, Cleveland, OH), was sentenced on November 30, 2023, before U.S. District Jud  more

JACKSONVILLE, Florida, April 3 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news release: Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) was a key contributor to surpassing the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) F414 Engine Readiness Goal (ERG) of 1,451 ready-for-issue (RFI) engines for the first time since 2018 - eight months ahead of the planned recovery schedule. The achievement was a joint effort between FRCSE, the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), Naval Supply Systems Command, Defense Logistics   more

BOISE, Idaho, April 3 -- Idaho Attorney General Raul R. Labrador issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: Attorney General Raul Labrador announced Tuesday that a federal judge blocked the Biden Administration's highway emissions rule that tried to drive gas-powered cars off the road. As part of a 21-state coalition led by Kentucky, Idaho brought a challenge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against the Federal Highway Administration's rule that attempted  more

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 3 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release: A federal judge in Kentucky has declared the Federal Highway Administration's Emissions Rule unlawful, agreeing with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 20 of his counterparts that the restrictions both exceed the authority Congress granted the Agency and encroach on the authority of the states. The Emissions Rule, an attempt by the Federal Highway Administration to use its authority over road safety   more

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 3 -- The Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued the following news release on April 2, 2024: Today, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird defeated the Biden Administration in federal court, halting Biden's illegal highway emissions mandate that attempted to drive gas-powered vehicles off the road. The mandate required every state to set emissions restrictions for vehicles traveling on national highways. The Federal Highway Administration rule would have mandated states se  more

MIAMI, Florida, April 3 -- The Miami-Dade County government issued the following news release: The Board of County Commissioners greenlit a resolution championed by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, aimed at strengthening the safety of Miami-Dade County's neighborhoods and parks. The resolution involves a reduction of the speed limit to 25 mph on all County-maintained residential roads, as well as roads adjacent to parks and recreational centers. "These measures would improve the safety of ou  more

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, April 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Rear. Adm. Walter Brafford, commander, Naval Medical Forces Support Command, or NMFSC, hosted the annual awards ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston March 29, recognizing the Instructors of the Year and finalists for the command's Sailor of the Year Program at NMFSC headquarters. The following Sailors were recognized: Command Career C  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory issued the following news release: By Emily Winget, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) will highlight cutting-edge space-related programs and technologies during the 39th Space Symposium in exhibit booth #625 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs April 8-11, 2024. NRL's Dr. Steven Meier will speak at the "Inventing the Future for Space Superiority" panel discussion, April 11,  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory issued the following news release: By Daniel Parry, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) plasma physicist, Arati Dasgupta, Ph.D., head, Radiation Hydrodynamics Branch, Plasma Physics Division, receives the 2024 IEEE Plasma Science and Applications Committee (PSAC) Award for her fundamental contributions to, and leadership of, high energy density plasma, atomic, and radiation physic  more

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland, April 3 -- The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, an organization within the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, issued the following news release: Navy and Air Force fighter pilots will begin training as a joint force at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)'s Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) starting in 2024. NAWCAD installed a division of four U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor cockpits into the Navy's premier simulation test and training facility   more

ORLANDO, Florida, April 3 -- Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings issued the following Demings Digest on April 1, 2024: * * * What a diverse and inclusive community we live in! Recently, that spirit of diversity in Orange County was in the national spotlight thanks to Netflix's hit show, Somebody Feed Phil. Host Phil Rosenthal and his team explored Orlando's expanding array of restaurants and businesses while highlighting the unique stories of chefs, entrepreneurs and residents who make our c  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- President Biden issued the following statement on Florida Supreme Court decision on reproductive care: * * * Yesterday's extreme decision puts desperately needed medical care even further out of reach for millions of women in Florida and across the South. The Court not only upheld Florida's current ban on women being able to make their own reproductive choices, it will likely trigger Governor DeSantis' even more extreme law that would prevent women from accessing care be  more

OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, April 2 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release: Nuclear nonproliferation scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have published the Compendium of Uranium Raman and Infrared Experimental Spectra, or CURIES, a public database and analysis of structure-spectral relationships for uranium minerals. This first-of-its-kind dataset and corresponding analysis fill a key gap in the existing bo  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, April 3 -- The South Florida Water Management District issued the following news: The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) actively operates and maintains one of the largest water management systems in the world. This vast system of canals, levees, pump stations and other important water management infrastructure is key to protecting water supplies and providing flood control for over 9 million people in Central and Southern Florida. Did you know the SFWMD   more

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 3 -- The Florida Department of Transportation issued the following statement on April 2, 2024: * * * Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. issued the following statement following two separate Federal Court decisions that ruled in favor of twenty-two states, including Florida, who sued the federal government to block the implementation of the unlawful greenhouse gas emissions program. "Florida is glad to see both Texas and Kent  more

TYNDALL AFB, Florida, April 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Tyndall Air Force Base (325th Fighter Wing) issued the following news: By Airman 1st Class Victoria Moehlman, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs The 325th Medical Group conducted Ready Eagle, comprehensive training exercise aimed at improving response readiness and team integration, March 25-27, 2024. After several days of training, the exercise reached its peak with a capstone event. Medical personnel were tested in a simulated explosion inv  more

JACKSONVILLE, Florida, April 3 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release: United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Neal Brij Sidhwaney (43, Fernandina Beach) to 14 months in federal prison for transmitting an interstate threat to kill. Sidhwaney entered a guilty plea on December 15, 2023. According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Sidhwaney placed a telephone call from Florida to the Supreme Court of the  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, April 3 -- The city of West Palm Beach issued the following news on April 2, 2024: The City of West Palm Beach is proud to encourage its residents to take advantage of IRS Direct File, a groundbreaking tax filing service provided by the federal government. With the tax filing season swiftly approaching its conclusion on Monday, April 15, we urge our residents to utilize this invaluable resource that can save both time and money. IRS Direct File offers a simple and sec  more

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, April 3 -- The city of West Palm Beach issued the following news on April 2, 2024: Below is a summary of the approvals and decisions made by the City Commission meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024. MAYOR'S OFFICE - Proclaimed the week of April 14-20, 2024, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - Approved an ordinance after first reading designating the Karl Riddle House, 432 Ardmore Road, on the West Palm Beach Register for Historic Pla  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- The White House issued the following transcript of a news briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on April 1, 2024: * * * (Continued from Part 1 of 2) Q: Thank you, Karine. Also, on Baltimore. The six victims of the collapse of the bridge were Latino -- from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Is the President planning to meet with the families of the victims? And more broadly, what the White House is doing to help these families that now are facing dif  more