Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Carter Announces More U.S. Support for Afghan Forces
Carter Announces More U.S. Support for Afghan Forces: U.S. forces in Afghanistan now will be able to boost support for Afghan conventional forces with more firepower and by accompanying and advising them on the ground and in the air, Defense Secretary
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Readout of Secretary Carter
Readout of Secretary Carter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Işık today on the sidelines of the NATO Defense
Monday, June 13, 2016
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Friday, June 10, 2016
Defense Bill Concerns DoD, White House, Pentagon Press Secretary Says
Defense Bill Concerns DoD, White House, Pentagon Press Secretary Says: As the Senate debates its version of the National Defense Authorization Act this week, the Defense Department and the White House have concerns about the way the legislation now stands, Pentagon Press
Carter Unveils Next Wave of Force of the Future Initiatives
Carter Unveils Next Wave of Force of the Future Initiatives: Defense Secretary Ash Carter today announced the next steps in his Force of the Future initiative to modernize the rules and regulations that govern how the Defense Department recruits, develops and
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Behind the Myths: The Truth About Overtime
Behind the Myths: The Truth About Overtime: Last week we announced the most meaningful update to the nation’s white-collar overtime rules in more than 40 years. By raising the salary threshold under which white-collar salaried workers qualif…
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Pressure From Local Forces Restricts ISIL, Inherent Resolve Spokesman
Pressure From Local Forces Restricts ISIL, Inherent Resolve Spokesman: Local forces in Iraq and Syria are pressuring the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant at multiple points on the battlefield, restricting the terrorist army’s mobility and options, the Operation
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
Press Secretary: Carter Wants to Push Harder in Counter-ISIL Effort
Press Secretary: Carter Wants to Push Harder in Counter-ISIL Effort: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said Defense Secretary Ash Carter wants to push harder in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
DOJ ANNOUNCE WITH DUTCH OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AGAINST MAIL FRAUDSTERS TARGETING ELDERLY
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Justice Department and Dutch Authorities Announce Simultaneous Enforcement Actions Against International Mass-Mailing Fraud Schemes Targeting the Elderly
Thousands of U.S. Victims Defrauded Out of Over $18 Million Annually
According to the complaint, U.S. residents received fraudulent direct mail solicitations that falsely claimed that the individual recipient had won, or would soon win cash or valuable prizes or otherwise come into great fortune. Victims sent payments through the U.S. and international mail systems to defendants Trends Service in Kommunikatie B.V. (Trends) and Kommunikatie Service Buitenland B.V. (KSB), both in Utrecht, Netherlands, and both owned and operated by defendant Erik Dekker, 54, of Langbroek, Netherlands.
At the same time that the Justice Department took this law enforcement action, Dutch law enforcement agents executed search warrants on the business address used by both companies and on Dekker’s home address. The Dutch authorities also took control of the Dutch P.O. boxes used by the defendants to receive victim funds. The coordinated U.S. and Dutch enforcement actions seek to immediately stop the use of Dutch P.O. boxes to receive payments from fraud victims and to immediately stop the defendants from continuing to victimize the elderly. Learn more about the actions taken by Dutch authorities at: https://www.om.nl/actueel/nieuwsberichten/@94702/fiod-and-us-doj/ [external link]
“Schemes targeting elderly victims are increasingly international in scope, but geographic distance will not prevent us from seeking justice and holding bad actors accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Dutch authorities have done a great service to U.S. residents and elderly victims worldwide by addressing fraud facilitated within their borders. The Justice Department will continue to work with our international law enforcement partners to put a stop to fraud schemes that exploit vulnerable Americans.”
“As alleged in the complaint, defendants act as the clearinghouses for multiple international mail fraud schemes, taking money from thousands of elderly and vulnerable victims not only in this district but also throughout the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers for the Eastern District of New York. “Together with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our international partner, the Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Division of the Netherlands, we will track down, and stop, the schemes wherever they lead.”
“No one should ever be told they must pay a fee, or make a worthless purchase, to collect a prize,” said Inspector in Charge Regina L. Faulkerson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigation Group. “When that happens, it’s fraud - plain and simple - and Postal Inspectors work to keep those falsehoods out of the U.S. mail.”
The complaint filed June 1 in U.S. federal court in the Eastern District of New York alleges that, since at least 2012, Trends, KSB and Dekker have used P.O. boxes in the Netherlands to receive payments from various predatory mass-mailing fraud schemes. Solicitations are mailed from locations around the globe to residents in the United States. The solicitations purport to be personalized to each individual recipient, even though they are form letters mailed to hundreds of thousands of potential victims. Some solicitations instruct recipients to pay a processing fee in order to receive lottery winnings or other prizes; other solicitations urge recipients to purchase goods or services based on false promises that they will guarantee future lottery wins.
As alleged in the complaint, victims responded to the solicitations by completing a form and submitting a payment, usually around $15 to $55, via U.S. mail. The solicitations contain pre-addressed envelopes in which victims send payments. The envelopes are addressed to P.O. boxes in the Netherlands. Trends and KSB operate more than 50 of these P.O. boxes. Like other so-called “caging services,” Trends and KSB open the payment envelopes, remove the contents, enter payment and other personal information from the victims into a database and handle victim payments. The U.S. government estimates that U.S. victims mail more than $18 million annually to the defendants’ P.O. boxes.
The government is seeking an injunction under the Anti-Fraud Injunction Statute immediately shutting down the defendants’ role in the fraudulent schemes in order to protect U.S. victims from further harm. The injunctions sought by the United States would enjoin the defendants from using the U.S. mail or causing the U.S. mail to be used, to distribute the fraudulent solicitations or to collect victim payments, and from selling lists of American victims who have responded to the solicitations. If granted, a permanent injunction would allow the U.S. Postal Service to intercept mail heading to the defendants, and return that mail—along with any money being sent to the defendants—to U.S. victims.
U.S. District Court Judge I. Leo Glasser for the Eastern District of New York set a hearing on the preliminary injunction on July 18 at 10 a.m.
The Justice Department’s case is being handled by Trial Attorney Kerala Thie Cowart of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Vagelatos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York and Postal Inspector Joseph R. Bizzarro of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Southcom Commander: Illicit Networks Are Region’s Greatest Security Ch
Southcom Commander: Illicit Networks Are Region’s Greatest Security Ch: Navy Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander of U.S. Southern Command, said the Southcom area of responsibility has been characterized by the absence of ongoing armed conflict between nations for some time, but
Carter, Admirals Take Questions on China at Shangri-La Dialogue
Carter, Admirals Take Questions on China at Shangri-La Dialogue: Defense Secretary Ash Carter and two senior naval officers responded to reporters’ questions about China during the 15th annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia Security Summit in
Fights to Retake Fallujah, Manbij City From ISIL Begin
Fights to Retake Fallujah, Manbij City From ISIL Begin: U.S. Central Command spokesman Air Force Col. Pat Ryder said fights that started last week aimed at wrenching control of two major cities in Iraq and Syria from the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq
Friday, June 3, 2016
Benefits.gov website adds location-based technology to personalize, enhance user experience - United States Department of Labor
Benefits.gov website adds location-based technology to personalize, enhance user experience - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that the Benefits.gov – official federal government benefits website – now customizes the user’s search for government benefits based on the user’s location. By personalizing the content on government benefits and other information – and providing content most commonly requested – the site now provides a better and more efficient tool for its users.
US Department of Labor signs agreement to protect workers from misclassification with South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation - United States Department of Labor
US Department of Labor signs agreement to protect workers from misclassification with South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation - United States Department of Labor: Participants: U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour DivisionSouth Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Community Resilience: Is Hawai‘i ready for the impacts from climate change?
Community Resilience: Is Hawai‘i ready for the impacts from climate change?: by Hawai'i Sea Grant
Dr. Bradley Romine is used to his phone ringing off the hook whenever unusually large swells hit parts of Oahu. Romine, a University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant) coastal hazards extension specialist seconded to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (DLNR OCCL), is one of the first people homeowners turn to when the waves start lapping at their door and...
Dr. Bradley Romine is used to his phone ringing off the hook whenever unusually large swells hit parts of Oahu. Romine, a University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant) coastal hazards extension specialist seconded to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (DLNR OCCL), is one of the first people homeowners turn to when the waves start lapping at their door and...
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Special Operations Forces Conduct Demonstration
Special Operations Forces Conduct Demonstration: International special operations forces conduct a capabilities demonstration over air, land and sea for the public in Tampa, Fla., May 26, 2016.
Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq
Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq: U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported.
Obama: Honor by Remembering Stories of the Fallen
Obama: Honor by Remembering Stories of the Fallen: President Obama marked his final Memorial Day as commander in chief by visiting Arlington National Cemetery, where he placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and delivered remarks in the Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez announces agreement in principle on a new contract for Verizon workers - United States Department of Labor
U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez announces agreement in principle on a new contract for Verizon workers - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez issued the following statement today regarding the ongoing labor dispute at Verizon: 'Today, I am pleased to announce that the parties have reached an agreement in principle on a four-year contract, resolving the open issues in the ongoing labor dispute between Verizon’s workers, unions, and management. The parties are now working to reduce the agreement to writing, after which the proposal will be submitted to CWA and IBEW union members for ratification.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Department awards $3.4M to help re-employ workers affected by coal mining industry layoffs in Kentucky - United States Department of Labor
Department awards $3.4M to help re-employ workers affected by coal mining industry layoffs in Kentucky - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the funding of a supplemental National Dislocated Worker Grant of $3.4 million to provide for reemployment and training services for Kentucky coal mine workers. The new funding will assist current program participants as well as an additional 797 participants hurt by recent layoffs.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Carter: Maintaining Military Superiority Requires Work, Funding, Techn
Carter: Maintaining Military Superiority Requires Work, Funding, Techn: Defense Secretary Ash Carter told troops at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., that protecting the nation and much of the world is a U.S. duty because of the challenges and
Lifting Embargo Allows Closer U.S., Vietnam Cooperation, Obama, Carter
Lifting Embargo Allows Closer U.S., Vietnam Cooperation, Obama, Carter: The U.S. and Vietnam will cooperate more closely on regional security issues now that a decades-long embargo on arms sales to the Southeast Asian nation has been lifted, President Barack Obama and
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Federal agencies host Arizona public meetings on benefits for former, retired and current nuclear weapons workers, survivors on compensation programs - United States Department of Labor
Federal agencies host Arizona public meetings on benefits for former, retired and current nuclear weapons workers, survivors on compensation programs - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies will host three town hall meetings in Arizona to provide former, retired and current nuclear weapons workers and their survivors with information about benefits available through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act and other federal programs.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Statement of US Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez on the ongoing labor dispute involving Verizon workers - United States Department of Labor
Statement of US Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez on the ongoing labor dispute involving Verizon workers - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued the following statement on the ongoing labor dispute involving Verizon workers.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
FACT SHEET: White House and Department Of Labor Announce $21 Million for Summer and Year-Round Jobs For Young Americans And Launch Of 16 Summer Impact Hubs - United States Department of Labor
FACT SHEET: White House and Department Of Labor Announce $21 Million for Summer and Year-Round Jobs For Young Americans And Launch Of 16 Summer Impact Hubs - United States Department of Labor: “Access to a job in the summer and beyond can make all the difference to a young person – especially those who don’t have access to many resources and opportunities.” - President Barack Obama
Monday, May 16, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Federal food service contractor settles charges of gender-based hiring discrimination for entry-level Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin warehouse jobs - United States Department of Labor
Federal food service contractor settles charges of gender-based hiring discrimination for entry-level Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin warehouse jobs - United States Department of Labor: WYOMING, Mich. – For a second time, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has determined that a Michigan-based, federal food service contractor systematically discriminated against 926 qualified women seeking entry-level warehouse laborer jobs. In agreements with the department, Gordon Food Service, Inc. of Wyoming will pay a total of $1.85 million to female applicants, hire 37 female applicants and stop using a strength test that OFCCP found to be discriminatory.
North Dakota’s Bakken oil and gas field leaking 275,000 tons of methane per year
North Dakota’s Bakken oil and gas field leaking 275,000 tons of methane per year: The Bakken oil and gas field is leaking a lot of methane, but less than some satellites report, and less than the latest Environmental Protection Agency inventory for petroleum systems, according to the researchers’ calculations. That's the finding of the first field study measuring emissions of this potent greenhouse gas from the Bakken, which spans parts of North Dakota and Montana. The work was published today in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.
Researchers found that...
Researchers found that...
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Trapped in Clouds
Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Trapped in Clouds: NASA's Aqua satellite captured this image of the clouds over Canada on May 9, 2016. Entwined within the clouds is the smoke billowing up from the wildfires that are currently burning across a large expanse of the country.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Hubble Spies the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 4394
Hubble Spies the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 4394: Shown in this Hubble Space Telescope image, NGC 4394 is the archetypal barred spiral galaxy, with bright spiral arms emerging from the ends of a bar that cuts through the galaxy’s central bulge. These arms are peppered with young blue stars, dark filaments of cosmic dust, and bright, fuzzy regions of active star formation.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Space Station Flyover of Morocco
Space Station Flyover of Morocco: Expedition 47 Flight Engineer Jeff Williams of NASA captured this detailed photograph from the International Space Station during a daytime flyover of Morocco on May 2, 2016. Williams shared the image to social media and asked, 'Reptile scales, or incredible and rugged geology in Morocco?'
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Carter: DoD Takes Next Step in Sustaining Asia-Pacific Rebalance
Carter: DoD Takes Next Step in Sustaining Asia-Pacific Rebalance: As part of its role in the ongoing rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, DoD is making new investments in the region, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis as it
NASA Astronaut to Call Columbia University Students from International Space Station
NASA Astronaut to Call Columbia University Students from International Space Station: Students from Columbia University in New York will have the opportunity to speak with a NASA astronaut currently living and working on the International Space Station at 1:10 p.m. EDT Thursday, April 21. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Night Image of Chicago
Night Image of Chicago: Expedition 47 Commander Tim Kopra of NASA captured this brightly lit night image of the city of Chicago on April 5, 2016, from the International Space Station. Kopra (@astro_tim) wrote, '#Goodnight #Chicago from @Space_Station. #CitiesFromSpace'
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Carter: U.S.-India Relationship Will Define 21st Century
Carter: U.S.-India Relationship Will Define 21st Century: In India, Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with senior Indian officials to promote the close partnership between the two nations.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
Digital Press Kit – Ames Involvement with SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services (CRS)-8 Launch, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Digital Press Kit – Ames Involvement with SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services (CRS)-8 Launch, Kennedy Space Center, Florida: Digital Press Kit – Ames Involvement with SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services (CRS)-8 Launch
Thursday, April 7, 2016
US Labor Secretary responds to sentencing of ex-coal operator Blankenship - United States Department of Labor
US Labor Secretary responds to sentencing of ex-coal operator Blankenship - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement about today’s sentencing of former Massey Energy Chief Executive Officer Donald Blankenship: “This sentence proves that no mine operator is above the law, and should send a strong signal to unscrupulous employers that skirt safety rules. No prison sentence and no amount of money can bring back the 29 men who lost their lives at Upper Big Branch, but my sincere hope is that this sentence can offer some measure of closure for the families of those miners.
Obama Meets With Military Leaders, Stresses Capabilities, Counter-ISIL
Obama Meets With Military Leaders, Stresses Capabilities, Counter-ISIL: Kicking off a meeting with the nation
Counter-ISIL Campaign Shows Strong Progress, Admiral Says
Counter-ISIL Campaign Shows Strong Progress, Admiral Says: The coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has degraded the terror group
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Labor Department announces $1.9M funding opportunity to expand apprenticeships, support for women in nontraditional occupations - United States Department of Labor
Labor Department announces $1.9M funding opportunity to expand apprenticeships, support for women in nontraditional occupations - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1.9 million grant competition to recruit, train and retain women in high-skill occupations, such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, energy, construction and information technology. The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations program will fund the grants.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Monday, April 4, 2016
Saturday, April 2, 2016
US Secretary of Labor announces inaugural meeting of advisory board, new members focused on health of nuclear weapons workers - United States Department of Labor
US Secretary of Labor announces inaugural meeting of advisory board, new members focused on health of nuclear weapons workers - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez has announced the inaugural appointees and the date of the first meeting of the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health for Part E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Labor Secretary Perez’s statement on US Supreme Court ruling in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association - United States Department of Labor
Labor Secretary Perez’s statement on US Supreme Court ruling in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement on today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is an important victory for public employees, for their right to have a voice at work, for their right to stand together and speak up for the things that matter to them, their families and their communities.
PEST CONTROL COMPANY TO PAY $10 MILLION FOR APPLYING RESTRICTED-USE PESTICIDE TO RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
TERMINIX Companies Agree to Pay $10 Million for Applying Restricted-Use Pesticide to Residences in the U.S. Virgin Islands
All TERMINIX Locations Have Ceased Using Pesticides Containing Methyl Bromide in the United States Employees Illegally Applied Pesticides Containing Methyl Bromide to Residences in St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
The pest control corporation Terminix International Company LP (TERMINIX LP) and its U.S. Virgin Islands operation Terminix International USVI LLC (TERMINIX, USVI), were charged today with multiple violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act for illegally applying fumigants containing methyl bromide in multiple residential locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the condominium resort complex in St. John where a family of four fell seriously ill last year after the unit below them was fumigated, the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today.
In a plea agreement, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX, USVI agreed to pay a total of $10 million in criminal fines, community service and restitution payments. Except for completing one government contract at the Port of Baltimore, TERMINIX LP has stopped using pesticides containing methyl bromide in the United States and U.S. Territories. Under the agreement TERMINIX, USVI will pay $5 million in fines and $1 million in restitution to the EPA for response and clean-up costs at the St. John resort. TERMINIX LP will pay a fine of $3 million and will fund a $1 million community service project in the U.S.V.I. The plea agreement is subject to approval by the district court.
“When misused, highly toxic pesticides can have catastrophic consequences, and that’s why those who are certified to apply them must do so responsibly and lawfully,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The facts in this case show the Terminix companies knowingly failed to properly manage their pest control operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing pesticides containing methyl bromide to be applied illegally and exposing a family of four to profoundly debilitating injuries. While on probation the companies are required to demonstrate to the EPA changes to their internal management and systems to ensure this type of tragedy does not reoccur.”
“This prosecution demonstrates the importance of complying with environmental laws and regulations,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands. “Tragically, the defendants' failure to do so resulted in catastrophic injuries to the victims and exposed many others to similar harm. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the enforcement of environmental laws and will take all necessary steps to hold those who violate these laws criminally accountable and to protect residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands.”
“When you break a law that protects public health, there are real victims and real consequences, as this case tragically shows,” said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This incident illustrates how important it is for EPA to enforce environmental laws and hold anyone accountable for endangering our safety. Today’s charges should send a clear message to the industry, and directs important funds toward training programs to help ensure this can’t happen again.”
In 1984 EPA banned the indoor use of methyl bromide products. The few remaining uses are severely restricted. Pesticides containing methyl bromide in the U.S. are restricted-use due to their acute toxicity, meaning that they must only be applied by a certified applicator. Health effects of acute exposure to methyl bromide are serious and include central nervous system and respiratory system damage. Pesticides can be very toxic and it is critically important that they be used only as approved by EPA.
After the government began its investigation, TERMINIX LP voluntarily ceased its use of methyl bromide in the U.S. and in U.S. territories, except for one remaining supervised government contract.
According to the information filed in federal court in the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands today, the defendants knowingly applied restricted-use fumigants at the Sirenusa resort in St. John for the purpose of exterminating household pests on or about Oct. 20, 2014, and on or about March 18, 2015. The companies were also charged with applying the restricted-use pesticide in 12 residential units in St. Croix and one additional unit in St. Thomas between September 2012 and February 2015.
According to the factual basis of the plea agreement, TERMINIX, USVI provided pest control services in the Virgin Islands including fumigation treatments for Powder Post Beetles, a common problem in the islands. These fumigation treatments were referred to as “tape and seal” jobs, meaning that the affected area was to be sealed off from the rest of the structure with plastic sheeting and tape prior to the introduction of the fumigant. Customers were generally told that after a treatment persons could not enter the building for a two to three-day period.
On or about March 18, 2015, two employees of TERMINIX, USVI, performed a fumigation pesticide treatment at the lower rental unit of Building J at Sirenusa in St. John. The upper unit in Building J was occupied by a Delaware family of four. Via various means, methyl bromide from the lower unit migrated to the upper unit of Building J, causing serious injury to and hospitalization of the entire family.
EPA regional staff responded immediately to the incident in St. John, securing the scene, performing testing and addressing the contamination. Within days, the EPA sent out a pesticide use warning to pesticides applicators in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by a broader pesticide notice to regulators in all states, the British Virgin Islands, and to other Caribbean and Latin American countries.
As a special condition of the companies’ three year probation, the defendants shall make good faith efforts to resolve past and future medical expenses for the family through separate civil proceedings. If they do not do so before the end of the probationary period, they would be subject to an order of restitution and the government may petition the District Court to reopen the sentencing proceedings to seek recovery of past and future medical and other expenses.
The $10 million penalty includes $8 million in criminal fines, $1 million in restitution to the EPA for response and clean-up costs, and a $1 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the purpose of engaging a third party to provide training to pesticide applicators in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The case was investigated by EPA Criminal Investigation Division working cooperatively with the Virgins Islands government and, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm of the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case with assistance of Patricia Hick, EPA Region II Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
The investigation is ongoing.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
US Labor Department announces final rule to improve U.S. workers’ protection from the dangers of ‘respirable’ silica dust - United States Department of Labor
US Labor Department announces final rule to improve U.S. workers’ protection from the dangers of ‘respirable’ silica dust - United States Department of Labor: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced a final rule to improve protections for workers exposed to respirable silica dust. The rule will curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
This Week @ NASA, March 25, 2016
This Week @ NASA, March 25, 2016: Earth Expeditions kickoff, Kepler captures the shockwave of an exploding star, cargo launches to the International Space Station, and more..
Monday, March 28, 2016
Remarks at the Silica Final Rule Announcement, International Masonry Institute Training Center, Bowie, MD, March 24, 2016 - United States Department of Labor
Remarks at the Silica Final Rule Announcement, International Masonry Institute Training Center, Bowie, MD, March 24, 2016 - United States Department of Labor: [as prepared for delivery] Good morning, and thanks to everyone for joining us today for an historic announcement. Tom, thank you for that kind introduction. Thank you for your courage in sharing the anguish of losing your dad so tragically and unnecessarily. I don’t blame you for being outraged, as you said in the video. Today, we’re taking a step that I hope honors your father’s memory as best we can. We can’t bring him back, but we can do everything in our power to make sure others don’t suffer the way he did.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Hubble Looks Into a Cosmic Kaleidoscope
Hubble Looks Into a Cosmic Kaleidoscope: This cosmic kaleidoscope of purple, blue and pink marks the site of two colliding galaxy clusters.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
NASA Targets Early April for Eighth SpaceX Cargo Launch
NASA Targets Early April for Eighth SpaceX Cargo Launch: Media accreditation now is open for the April launch of a cargo resupply service mission to the International Space Station. SpaceX’s Dragon cargo spacecraft is targeted for launch at 4:43 p.m. EDT Friday, April 8.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Science Papers Reveal New Aspects of Pluto and its Moons
Science Papers Reveal New Aspects of Pluto and its Moons: A year ago, Pluto was just a bright speck in the cameras of NASA’s approaching New Horizons spacecraft, not much different than its appearances in telescopes since Clyde Tombaugh discovered the then-ninth planet in 1930.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Tilted Terminator
Tilted Terminator: NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured this view of Saturn's moon Enceladus that shows wrinkled plains that are remarkably youthful in appearance, being generally free of large impact craters.
Monday, March 14, 2016
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO RECEIVE RESOURCES TO REFORM FINE AND FEE PRACTICES
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, March 14, 2016
Justice Department Announces Resources to Assist State and Local Reform of Fine and Fee Practices
“The consequences of the criminalization of poverty are not only harmful – they are far-reaching,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “They not only affect an individual’s ability to support their family, but also contribute to an erosion of our faith in government. One of my top priorities as Attorney General is to help repair community trust where it has frayed, and a key part of that effort includes ensuring that our legal system serves every American faithfully and fairly, regardless of their economic status.”
The package, which was sent to state chief justices and state court administrators throughout the country, includes the following elements:
Dear Colleague Letter from the Civil Rights Division and the Office for Access to Justice to provide greater clarity to state and local courts regarding their legal obligations with respect to the enforcement of court fines and fees. The letter addresses some of the most common practices that run afoul of the U.S. Constitution and/or other federal laws, such as incarcerating individuals for nonpayment without determining their ability to pay. The letter also discusses the importance of due process protections such as notice and, in appropriate cases, the right to counsel; the need to avoid unconstitutional bail practices; and due process concerns raised by certain private probation arrangements.
$2.5 million in competitive grants through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to state, local or tribal jurisdictions that, together with community partners, want to test strategies to restructure the assessment and enforcement of fines and fees. The grant program, titled The Price of Justice: Rethinking the Consequences of Justice Fines and Fees, will provide four grants of $500,000 to agencies and their collaborative partners to develop strategies that promote appropriate justice system responses, including reducing unnecessary confinement, for individuals who are unable to pay fines and fees. BJA will award an additional grant of $500,000 to a technical assistance provider. For agencies interested in applying for this funding opportunity, BJA will host an informational webinar on March 28, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. EDT to describe the background, key concepts and requirements of the solicitation. To register, please follow this link [external link].
Support for the National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices, which is led by the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators. The task force is being funded by BJA and is also supported by the State Justice Institute. It is comprised of leaders from the judiciary, state and local government, the advocacy community and the academy. The task force will draft model statutes, court rules and procedures, and will develop an online clearinghouse of best practices. Department officials will also serve as ex officio members of the task force.
Resource Guide [external link] that assembles issue studies and other publications related to the assessment and enforcement of court fines and fees. The resource guide, compiled by the Office of Justice Programs Diagnostic Center, helps leaders make informed policy decisions and pursue sound strategies at the state, local and tribal levels.
Today’s announcement follows a seminal two-day convening [external link] held by the Justice Department and the White House in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 2 and 3, 2015. Judges, court administrators, researchers, advocates, prosecutors, defense attorneys and impacted individuals came together to discuss challenges surrounding fines and fees. The convening made plain the existence of unlawful and harmful practices in some jurisdictions and highlighted a number of promising reform efforts already underway. At the meeting, participants and department officials also discussed ways in which the Justice Department could assist courts in their efforts to make needed changes. Participants specifically asked the department to provide legal guidance to state and local actors; to highlight and help develop model practices; and to provide resources for local reform efforts.
The Justice Department is committed to reforming justice-system practices that perpetuate poverty and result in unnecessary deprivations of liberty. The department discussed many of these practices in its March 2015 report on the investigation of the Ferguson, Missouri, police department and municipal court. As discussed at the December 2015 convening, however, these practices can be found throughout the nation. And their effects are particularly severe for the most vulnerable members of our communities, often with a disproportionate impact on racial minorities. The resources released today are aimed at reforming these practices and mitigating their harmful effects.
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