Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
CFTC and SEC Jointly Propose Amendments to Strengthen Disclosure and Reduce Private Fund Reporting Burdens
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release:
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CFTC and SEC Jointly Propose Amendments to Strengthen Disclosure and Reduce Private Fund Reporting Burdens
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The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission today jointly proposed amendments to reduce reporting burdens for private funds.
The agencies proposed to amend Form PF, the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds, including those that also are registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release:
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CFTC and SEC Jointly Propose Amendments to Strengthen Disclosure and Reduce Private Fund Reporting Burdens
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The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission today jointly proposed amendments to reduce reporting burdens for private funds.
The agencies proposed to amend Form PF, the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds, including those that also are registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operatoror a commodity trading advisor. Form PF collects information designed to facilitate the Financial Stability Oversight Council's monitoring of systemic risk in the private fund industry. The CFTC and SEC may use the information collected on Form PF in their regulatory programs, including examinations, investigations, and investor protection efforts relating to private fund advisers.
"By raising the filing threshold and streamlining Form PF, we are taking steps to reduce the burdens associated with filing the form," said CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig. "I look forward to reading the public comments to ensure we get these changes right so that we eliminate unnecessary costs and burdens for filers."
"A key pillar of my agenda is restoring balance to disclosure obligations and reducing the cost of compliance wherever possible," said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. "Prior amendments to Form PF have led to overly burdensome disclosure requirements for advisers, distracting them from their core investment functions, often without a commensurate benefit to regulators' use of the collected data. These proposed changes would help to rationalize the scope of Form PF requirements to support its purpose and bring our overall disclosure regime back into alignment."
The proposed amendments would eliminate filing requirements for smaller advisers, who represent almost half of the advisers that currently must file Form PF. The proposal would raise the filing threshold for all filers from $150 million in private fund assets under management to $1 billion. Form PF would continue to obtain information on over 90% of private fund gross assets.
The proposed amendments also would eliminate quarterly and current reporting requirements for smaller hedge fund advisers and substantially reduce other reporting requirements for these advisers, significantly reducing burdens for almost two-thirds of the advisers that currently must file Form PF quarterly, and are subject to current reporting and these other reporting requirements. The proposal would raise the reporting threshold for large hedge fund advisers from $1.5 billion in hedge fund assets under management to $10 billion. Form PF would continue to obtain information quarterly on over 80% of hedge fund gross assets.
In addition to amending these thresholds, the proposal would eliminate or streamline many Form PF requirements.
The proposal requests comments on all the proposed amendments.
The proposing release for the amendments will be published in the Federal Register, and the public comment period will remain open until 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
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Original text here: https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9216-26
CBP launches Mobile Passport Control at four land border pedestrian crossings in Washington state
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release:
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CBP launches Mobile Passport Control at four land border pedestrian crossings in Washington state
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the expansion of Mobile Passport Control to pedestrian environments at four land ports of entry in Washington state.
"This expansion to Blaine Peace Arch, Blaine Pacific Highway, Lynden-Aldergrove, and Sumas ports of entry marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the traveler
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WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release:
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CBP launches Mobile Passport Control at four land border pedestrian crossings in Washington state
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the expansion of Mobile Passport Control to pedestrian environments at four land ports of entry in Washington state.
"This expansion to Blaine Peace Arch, Blaine Pacific Highway, Lynden-Aldergrove, and Sumas ports of entry marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the travelerexperience," said Executive Director Matthew S. Davies, Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Office of Field Operations. "Going live on April 20, 2026, this initiative will streamline entry into the United States for eligible travelers, improving efficiency and reducing congestion at these vital land ports of entry. We are dedicated to leveraging innovative technology like MPC to provide a more secure, straightforward, and best-in-class experience for all who enter our nation."
The MPC mobile app is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Travelers can use their mobile devices to submit passport and travel information in advance, expediting processing upon arrival.
International visitors are encouraged to apply for their I-94 online or through the free CBP Link mobile app, available on both the Apple app store and Google Play. Travelers can also access a direct link within the Mobile Passport Control app to apply for and pay for a provisional I-94. This feature allows travelers to complete their I-94 application before arriving at a land border crossing, helping to expedite processing and reduce wait times at ports of entry.
The MPC app is free to download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Users can create a profile with their passport information at any time prior to arriving at a CBP facility. Up to 12 profiles can be submitted in a single MPC transaction. Upon arrival at participating pedestrian crossings, travelers take a selfie for each member of their group and submit their information to CBP through the app. At the CBP clearance area, travelers should look for designated MPC lanes and present their passports or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident cards to the CBP officer for processing.
With this expansion, MPC is now available at 60 locations, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 Preclearance airport locations, four seaports of entry, and four land border pedestrian crossings. For more information on MPC, including user eligibility and participating locations, visit the MPC website.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
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Original text here: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-launches-mobile-passport-control-four-land-border-pedestrian
CBP Fort Lauderdale seizes over 8,500 counterfeit designer brand perfumes valued at over $1 Million
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release:
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CBP Fort Lauderdale seizes over 8,500 counterfeit designer brand perfumes valued at over $1 Million
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Port Everglades, Fla., recently seized counterfeit designer perfumes, including well-known brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Armani, and Lancome, that would have been valued at over $1 million had they been genuine.
CBP officers initially inspected the shipment on Feb. 10 and discovered
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release:
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CBP Fort Lauderdale seizes over 8,500 counterfeit designer brand perfumes valued at over $1 Million
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Port Everglades, Fla., recently seized counterfeit designer perfumes, including well-known brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Armani, and Lancome, that would have been valued at over $1 million had they been genuine.
CBP officers initially inspected the shipment on Feb. 10 and discovered8,500 units of designer brand name perfumes. The shipment arrived from Singapore and was destined to an address in Miami. Officers suspected the perfumes to be counterfeit and detained the shipment.
In collaboration with CBP Headquarters Intellectual Property Enforcement Branch, CBP officers determined, on April 2, that the goods were counterfeit and seized the perfumes pursuant to CBP's statutory and regulatory authorities. The perfumes were appraised at $1,010,940 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, had they been genuine.
"This significant seizure of counterfeit designer brand name perfumes highlights the diligent work of Customs and Border Protection officers at Port Everglades in protecting consumers and safeguarding our nation's economic security," said Acting Port Director John Rico. "Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate businesses and the U.S. economy but can also pose potentially serious health and safety risks to consumers. CBP remains steadfast in its mission to intercept these illicit products and uphold intellectual property rights."
Trade in counterfeit consumer goods is illegal. It threatens the health and safety of American consumers, steals from trademark holders, and takes tax revenues from the government, and it funds transnational criminal organizations. Counterfeit consumer goods may also be sourced or manufactured in facilities that employ forced labor.
Counterfeiters manufacture consumer goods using substandard materials and parts that could prematurely break or harm consumers. Protect your families by purchasing authentic consumer products from reputable retailers. Learn more about the consequences of counterfeits by visiting CBP's Fake Goods Real Dangers webpage.
CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights enforcement program. During fiscal year 2025, CBP seized over 78,000,000 counterfeit goods with an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price worth over $7.3 billion, had the goods been genuine.
News media can search for additional enforcement details by viewing CBP's IPR webpage or by viewing CBP's IPR Dashboard and CBP's Annual IPR Seizures Reports.
U.S. trademark and copyright owners can register with CBP to have their intellectual property protected at the border through the through the e-Recordation program ( https://iprr.cbp.gov/s/ ).
CBP encourages anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the United States to submit an anonymous tip to CBP's e-Allegation Program.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
Topics
* Cargo Security
* Enforcement
* Forced Labor
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Office of Field Operations
* Trade Enforcement
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Original text here: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-fort-lauderdale-seizes-over-8500-counterfeit-designer-brand
BLM seeks initial input for December 2026 sale of oil and gas leases in Wyoming
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management issued the following news release:
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BLM seeks initial input for December 2026 sale of oil and gas leases in Wyoming
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 274 oil and gas parcels totaling 363,618 acres that may be included in a December 2026 lease sale in Wyoming. The scoping period ends May 21, 2026.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management issued the following news release:
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BLM seeks initial input for December 2026 sale of oil and gas leases in Wyoming
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 274 oil and gas parcels totaling 363,618 acres that may be included in a December 2026 lease sale in Wyoming. The scoping period ends May 21, 2026.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin,an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.
All parcels that are included in a federal oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System. BLM lease sales are held online through Efficient Markets.
The parcels BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment, are available on the BLM's ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=5F1E8B56-FA3C-F111-88B4-001DD8084607
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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Original text here: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-seeks-initial-input-december-2026-sale-oil-and-gas-leases-wyoming
Barre Woman Charged with Social Security Fraud
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
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Barre Woman Charged with Social Security Fraud
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BOSTON - A Barre woman was charged in federal court in Worcester with stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
Jennifer Valley, 51, was charged with one count of theft of government money. Valley will make an appearance in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
The charging document alleges that Valley stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits from October 2022
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
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Barre Woman Charged with Social Security Fraud
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BOSTON - A Barre woman was charged in federal court in Worcester with stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
Jennifer Valley, 51, was charged with one count of theft of government money. Valley will make an appearance in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
The charging document alleges that Valley stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits from October 2022through August 2025.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is 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-ma/pr/barre-woman-charged-social-security-fraud
AFLCMC to host invitation-only hiring event, seeks candidates for June 2026 interviews
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, April 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the following news:
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AFLCMC to host invitation-only hiring event, seeks candidates for June 2026 interviews
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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and 66th Air Base Group officials are seeking qualified candidates for an upcoming recruitment and hiring event supporting mission needs here.
Interested applicants are asked to submit their resumes through the official online application portal to be considered. All submissions will be reviewed by hiring officials
... Show Full Article
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, April 20 -- The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the following news:
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AFLCMC to host invitation-only hiring event, seeks candidates for June 2026 interviews
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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and 66th Air Base Group officials are seeking qualified candidates for an upcoming recruitment and hiring event supporting mission needs here.
Interested applicants are asked to submit their resumes through the official online application portal to be considered. All submissions will be reviewed by hiring officialsand may result in invitation-only interview opportunities scheduled for June 2026.
"This hiring event allows us to connect directly with qualified candidates who are ready to contribute to the mission from day one," said Joseph McDaneld, 66th Force Support Squadron civilian personnel officer. "We are focused on building a strong, agile workforce to meet evolving mission requirements and deliver capabilities to the warfighter."
Registration is open now through May 11. Submitting a resume through the application link constitutes participation in the hiring event.
AFLCMC officials are recruiting for a variety of positions supporting critical mission areas, including engineering, logistics, finance, cyberspace operations, information protection, human resources, religious education and vehicle and powered systems repair/operation as well as Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program manager.
Opportunities are available at Hanscom Air Force Base and other AFLCMC locations across the United States.
The hiring initiative is designed to identify and connect qualified candidates with Air Force civilian career opportunities that directly support the development, acquisition and sustainment of Air Force weapon systems and capabilities.
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Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted for interviews and further evaluation by hiring teams. Officials note that participation in the resume submission process does not guarantee selection for an interview or position.
Working with AFLCMC and the 66 ABG offers a wide range of benefits for civilian employees, including competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements and comprehensive retirement and healthcare plans.
As part of the Air Force Materiel Command enterprise, AFLCMC plays a key role in delivering integrated capabilities to the warfighter while strengthening the civilian workforce and accelerating mission outcomes.
Individuals interested in applying can find additional information and submit their materials through the AFLCMC hiring website.
At Hanscom AFB, military and civilian personnel acquire critical warfighting systems for the Air Force and our sister services. These systems provide the connectivity for and between our warfighters with items such as radar, communication and intelligence systems, command and operations centers and network infrastructure and cyber defense. It's critical work that helps our men and women in uniform prevail in battle and return home safely.
The installation is in Middlesex County, Mass., and touches the towns of Bedford, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington, the birthplace of America. Hanscom AFB is approximately 20 miles northwest of Boston; 25 miles south of Nashua, New Hampshire, and 85 miles from Portland, Maine.
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Original text here: https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/NEWS/Article/4464939/aflcmc-to-host-invitation-only-hiring-event-seeks-candidates-for-june-2026-inte/
Court Orders Operator of Timeshare Exit Scheme to Pay $140 Million Related to FTC Allegations the Scheme Took Millions from Consumers
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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Court Orders Operator of Timeshare Exit Scheme to Pay $140 Million Related to FTC Allegations the Scheme Took Millions from Consumers
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Following an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has ordered one of the key operators of a timeshare exit operation to pay $140 million and has permanently banned him from marketing similar services in the future over allegations the scheme defrauded consumers-mostly older adults-out of more than $90 million.
The court granted summary judgment
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
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Court Orders Operator of Timeshare Exit Scheme to Pay $140 Million Related to FTC Allegations the Scheme Took Millions from Consumers
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Following an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has ordered one of the key operators of a timeshare exit operation to pay $140 million and has permanently banned him from marketing similar services in the future over allegations the scheme defrauded consumers-mostly older adults-out of more than $90 million.
The court granted summary judgmentto the Department of Justice and state of Wisconsin against the last remaining defendant in the case, Christopher Carroll, one of the top operators of the scheme. The court ordered Carroll to pay $95 million in redress to consumers and a $45 million civil penalty, which by law goes to the U.S. Treasury.
In November 2022, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the FTC, and the state of Wisconsin sued a company going by the name "Consumer Law Protection" and related companies, along with Carroll and other owners and operators: George Reed, Louann Reed, Scott Jackson, and Eduardo Balderas. Carroll served as president and CEO of the Square One Group, one of the corporations the defendants used to perpetrate their scheme, along with Consumer Law Protection, Premier Reservations Group, Resort Transfer Group and Timeshare Help Source.
The scheme used direct mail and in-person presentations to make an array of deceptive claims to pressure consumers into paying for timeshare exit services. These included falsely claiming to be associated with timeshare companies; falsely telling consumers that they couldn't exit a timeshare without paying the defendants' exorbitant fees; failing to provide promised refunds; and forcing consumers to sign contracts that they were told they couldn't cancel in violation of the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, which guarantees consumers the right to cancel a door-to-door sales contract within three business days of the sale.
In addition to the $140 million judgment, the court's order also permanently bans Carroll from advertising, marketing, promoting, or offering for sale any timeshare exit service; from engaging in any deceptive door-to-door sales; and from engaging in other deceptive and misleading conduct detailed in the complaint.
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Original text here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/court-orders-operator-timeshare-exit-scheme-pay-140-million-related-ftc-allegations-scheme-took
Corps of Engineers approves dam removal for Kinnickinnic River Restoration
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 20 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-St. Paul District issued the following news release:
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Corps of Engineers approves dam removal for Kinnickinnic River Restoration
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, officially approved the Kinnickinnic River Feasibility Report and Finding of No Significant Impact that recommends the removal of two dams to restore the natural flow April 10.
The report, completed in partnership with the city of River Falls, Wisconsin, is a culmination of a comprehensive study and endorses a plan to remove the Junction Falls
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 20 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-St. Paul District issued the following news release:
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Corps of Engineers approves dam removal for Kinnickinnic River Restoration
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, officially approved the Kinnickinnic River Feasibility Report and Finding of No Significant Impact that recommends the removal of two dams to restore the natural flow April 10.
The report, completed in partnership with the city of River Falls, Wisconsin, is a culmination of a comprehensive study and endorses a plan to remove the Junction Fallsand Powell Falls dams, aiming to reverse ecological damage and restore the Class 1 trout stream to its historic, free-flowing state. The project can now advance to the design and implementation phase.
"The approval of the Kinnickinnic River Feasibility Report marks a major milestone and critical step forward in our partnership with the city of River Falls to deliver lasting environmental benefits to the Kinnickinnic River," said Col. Matthew Chase, St. Paul District commander. "We are committed to restoring this vital aquatic ecosystem for the community and for future generations."
The two dams have created impoundments, known locally as Lake George and Lake Louise, which have led to high water temperatures, sedimentation, and reduced aquatic diversity, degrading the health of the renowned trout stream. Prior to the dams' construction, the river flowed freely over natural waterfalls.
The aquatic ecosystem restoration project is anticipated to restore the natural river channel and reconnect 1.5 miles of the river; improve water quality and lower water temperatures critical for trout survival; enhance aquatic habitat and increase biodiversity; and re-establish the river's natural sediment transport process.
This project is authorized under Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, as amended. The feasibility report and integrated environmental assessment is located here: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Home/Projects/Article/2988345/aquatic-ecosystem-restoration-section-206-kinnickinnic-river-restoration-wiscon/
The Corps of Engineers contributes to the environmental sustainability of our nation by protecting the nation's aquatic resources. We manage the Clean Water Act permitting program for the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, ensuring that development is accomplished in a sustainable manner.
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Original text here: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4464315/corps-of-engineers-approves-dam-removal-for-kinnickinnic-river-restoration/
Coast Guard's sole heavy icebreaker returns home following Antarctic deployment
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard issued the following news release:
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Coast Guard's sole heavy icebreaker returns home following Antarctic deployment
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SEATTLE -The crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) returned home to Seattle on April 13, following a 146-day Antarctic deployment in support of Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2026.
Polar Star departed Seattle Nov. 20, traveling more than 20,000 nautical miles through ocean and ice to complete ODF 2026. ODF is the logistical support provided by the Department of War to the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard issued the following news release:
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Coast Guard's sole heavy icebreaker returns home following Antarctic deployment
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SEATTLE -The crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) returned home to Seattle on April 13, following a 146-day Antarctic deployment in support of Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2026.
Polar Star departed Seattle Nov. 20, traveling more than 20,000 nautical miles through ocean and ice to complete ODF 2026. ODF is the logistical support provided by the Department of War to theU.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-managed U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP).
While spending 62 days in Antarctic waters, Polar Star conducted multiple mission sets before departing the Antarctic region on March 8. The cutter established a seven-mile-long channel through fast ice up to eight feet thick and escorted a fuel tanker and container vessel through the ice in McMurdo Sound in order to resupply McMurdo Station. Polar Star also escorted a tug with the 330-foot-long NSF Discovery Pier for install at McMurdo Station to provide a semi-permanent means to moor ships for the USAP.
Polar Star supported the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) by completing sighting reports of fishing vessels in the Ross Sea. Through monitoring and documenting fishing activity, the crew helped ensure compliance with established regulations, protecting marine resources and U.S. interests in one of the world's most remote and scientifically significant regions.
"Coming back to Seattle following deployment for the first time in a few years means a lot, especially considering how we spend over 300 days away from homeport each year," said Rasnake. "So, we'll enjoy the warm embrace of friends and family for a minute before quickly getting back after the hard work of maintaining this cutter and getting it ready for next year's mission."
While transiting home, Polar Star's crew made port calls in Hobart, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand. While in Hobart, Polar Star hosted international visitors from CCAMLR, Australian Armed Forces and Australian Government, including the commanding officer of Navy Headquarters Tasmania.
In Wellington, the U.S. Embassy hosted a reception aboard Polar Star, where David Gehrenbeck, U.S. Charge d'Affaires to New Zealand, hosted 40 distinguished guests, including, the Honorable Judith Collins, the 43rd Minister of Defence. Other guests and Embassy representatives from over ten different countries joined Polar Star's crew members to acknowledge the U.S. and New Zealand's joint support of the Antarctic Treaty and celebrate Polar Star's first visit to Wellington since December 2021.
Commissioned on Jan. 17, 1976, Polar Star is the nation's only active heavy icebreaker and has served as a cornerstone of U.S. presence in the polar regions. For five decades, the cutter has executed missions ranging from Antarctic resupply and search and rescue to environmental protection and national defense.
"Polar Star reminded us of her age on more than one occasion this deployment, but as always, this crew demonstrated the cutter's unique capability by working together through each challenge and finding a way to get the job done," said Capt. Jeff Rasnake, Polar Star's commanding officer.
Polar Star will be completing its annual dry dock maintenance over the summer, ensuring it is ready to meet all mission requirements for ODF27. The critical work completed during these periods ensures that U.S. maintains year-round access to the high latitudes.
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Original text here: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4464959/coast-guards-sole-heavy-icebreaker-returns-home-following-antarctic-deployment/
Administrator Zeldin Names Teresa Booeshaghi Associate Administrator of Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Zeldin Names Teresa Booeshaghi Associate Administrator of Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions
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WASHINGTON - On April 20, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin named Teresa Booeshaghi Associate Administrator of the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES). OASES coordinates the agency's science enterprise, ensuring consistency across the program offices responsible for carrying out EPA's statutory obligations,
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WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Zeldin Names Teresa Booeshaghi Associate Administrator of Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions
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WASHINGTON - On April 20, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin named Teresa Booeshaghi Associate Administrator of the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES). OASES coordinates the agency's science enterprise, ensuring consistency across the program offices responsible for carrying out EPA's statutory obligations,further advancing gold standard science and strengthening technical assistance to state and local partners.
In this role, Booeshaghi will advance EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment. She joins OASES from the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM), where she has served as Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy since May 2025.
"Teresa Booeshaghi brings the leadership and hands-on policy experience OASES needs at the helm," said Administrator Zeldin. "She has spent her career protecting human health and the environment on the front lines at the state level, and she will be a tremendous leader."
"I'm grateful to Administrator Zeldin for the opportunity to build on the excellent scientific work already underway at EPA," said Associate Administrator Booeshaghi. "OASES was designed to be practical and rooted in gold-standard science to solve real challenges for program and regional offices and meet emerging issues with rigorous data. That's the work I'm eager to get started on."
Teresa Booeshaghi brings with her an impressive track record of scientific and environmental leadership and a wealth of policy expertise. Prior to her leadership in OLEM, Teresa spent over two decades at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), where she was a leading force in advancing environmental protection and regulatory compliance across the state. With hands-on experience at labs from Virginia to Florida, Teresa has leveraged her scientific background to lead environmental cleanup, waste management, and emergency response programs at both state and federal levels. Teresa has broad expertise in emergency operations, including environmental recovery following natural disasters and advancing responses to emerging contaminants like PFAS.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-zeldin-names-teresa-booeshaghi-associate-administrator-office-applied
