United States Department of State

Former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo Joins Rivada Networks Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
United States Department of the Treasury, Communication, Rivada Networks, House of Representatives, Central Intelligence Agency, Government, United States Department of State, CIA, Representative, Growth, System, House, Defence Intelligence Agency (India), Television, State

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivada Networks, the inventor of Open Access Wireless Networking, announced today that former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has joined its Board of Directors.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, May 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivada Networks, the inventor of Open Access Wireless Networking, announced today that former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has joined its Board of Directors.
  • As a member of the Board, Secretary Pompeo will advise Rivada on strategic issues and help guide the company's growth and expansion into new markets.
  • "We are delighted to have Secretary Pompeo join our Board of Directors," said Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Networks.
  • "I am excited to join the Board of Directors of Rivada Networks," said Secretary Pompeo.

Andrew Weber and Richard Varos Join Parsons Strategic Advisory Boards

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 22, 2023
IBM, Connecting Communities, Defense, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Defense Programs, Parsons Corporation, Airport, Uranium, United States Department of State, Intelligence, Parsons, Mikoyan MiG-29, Assistant, Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction, Varos, United States biological defense program, Artificial intelligence, City, Kyndryl, Health, Transport, Longevity, College of Engineering (KNUST), PSN, NYSE

CENTREVILLE, Va., May 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today the additions of Andrew Weber to the company’s Federal Solutions Strategic Advisory Board and Richard Varos to the Critical Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Board.

Key Points: 
  • CENTREVILLE, Va., May 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today the additions of Andrew Weber to the company’s Federal Solutions Strategic Advisory Board and Richard Varos to the Critical Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Board.
  • Weber brings 30 years of United States government service, including five years as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs.
  • Varos is a former managing partner at Kyndryl, the 2021 spinoff of IBM’s infrastructure services business, following a 30-year career at IBM.
  • The company’s Critical Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Board is key to helping set and refine strategic direction that optimizes the dependability, functionality, and longevity of critical infrastructure, including airports, rail and transit, bridges and highways, and smart cities.

Feds for Medical Freedom, FBI Employees, File Suit Against Garland and Justice Department for Violating Religious Liberties

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Government, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, State bureau of investigation, FBI, Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, COVID-19, Federal Bureau of Investigation v. Fazaga, United States Department of State, Vaccination, Constitution

Feds for Med Freedom et al v. Merrick Garland et al , filed in the Southern District of Texas, was brought forward by over three dozen employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Key Points: 
  • Feds for Med Freedom et al v. Merrick Garland et al , filed in the Southern District of Texas, was brought forward by over three dozen employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • The suit details instances of persecution and harassment, unanswered requests for religious accommodations, and, in some cases, termination of employees.
  • A similar suit was filed in March on behalf of State Department employees.
  • Feds for Medical Freedom said it will continue to file new lawsuits seeking justice for federal workers who were injured by the vaccine mandates, and demanding accountability for those in power who violated the religious and Constitutional rights of their fellow Americans.

Remains of Missing US Marine Veteran Fighting in Ukraine Located and Brought Home by the Weatherman Foundation

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Travel, Hispanics in the United States Marine Corps, Life, Atrocity, National security, Turkish Airlines, Awards and decorations of the United States Department of the Army, Purple Heart, Texas Purple Heart Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Achievement Medal, JFK, United States Department of State, Foreign legion, Marines, Navy, Family, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Tourism

NEW YORK, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Marine veteran Grady Kurpasi's remains will be returned to his family this Friday, May 19, following his disappearance in Ukraine last spring. Kurpasi's remains were located by the RT Weatherman Foundation ("Weatherman Foundation") and will be accompanied by the Foundation's team on a nonstop flight on Turkish Airlines Flight #001 from Istanbul, landing in JFK at 5:50 EDT on Friday. The fallen soldier will be honored with a brief ceremony at the airport before being transferred by private jet to Wilmington, NC to be reunited with his family.  

Key Points: 
  • Kurpasi's remains were located by the RT Weatherman Foundation ("Weatherman Foundation") and will be accompanied by the Foundation's team on a nonstop flight on Turkish Airlines Flight #001 from Istanbul, landing in JFK at 5:50 EDT on Friday.
  • Kurpasi was accompanied by a British citizen, Andrew Hill, and the men radioed back to their team that they were under fire.
  • The Weatherman Foundation, a private operating foundation founded by Bess Weatherman and Andrew Duncan, worked tirelessly to locate Kurpasi's remains and was determined to travel to Ukraine to ensure the safe passage of Kurpasi's remains back to American soil.
  • As a fellow Tillman scholar, Veteran, and American I could not be prouder to see him returned home."

Remains of Missing Marine Veteran Fighting in Ukraine Located and Brought Home by the Weatherman Foundation

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Travel, Hispanics in the United States Marine Corps, Life, Atrocity, National security, Turkish Airlines, Awards and decorations of the United States Department of the Army, Purple Heart, Texas Purple Heart Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Achievement Medal, JFK, United States Department of State, Foreign legion, Marines, Navy, Family, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Tourism

NEW YORK, May 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Marine veteran Grady Kurpasi's remains will be returned to his family this Friday, May 19, following his disappearance in Ukraine last spring. Kurpasi's remains were located by the RT Weatherman Foundation ("Weatherman Foundation") and will be accompanied by the Foundation's team on a nonstop flight on Turkish Airlines Flight #001 from Istanbul, landing in JFK at 5:50 EDT on Friday. The fallen soldier will be honored with a brief ceremony at the airport before being transferred by private jet to Wilmington, NC to be reunited with his family.  

Key Points: 
  • Kurpasi's remains were located by the RT Weatherman Foundation ("Weatherman Foundation") and will be accompanied by the Foundation's team on a nonstop flight on Turkish Airlines Flight #001 from Istanbul, landing in JFK at 5:50 EDT on Friday.
  • U.S. veteran remains to be returned to American soil Friday, May 19, following his disappearance in Ukraine last spring.
  • The Weatherman Foundation, a private operating foundation founded by Bess Weatherman and Andrew Duncan, worked tirelessly to locate Kurpasi's remains and was determined to travel to Ukraine to ensure the safe passage of Kurpasi's remains back to American soil.
  • As a fellow Tillman scholar, Veteran, and American I could not be prouder to see him returned home."

Vital Voices Announces its 2023 Cohort for VVEngage, the Nonprofit NGOs' Signature Fellowship Program for Outstanding Women Political Leaders

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Presidency of the Council of Ministers (Portugal), United Nations Sustainable Development Group, Presidential Council, Harvard University, Politics, Culture, Policy, Woman, Ministry of Women and Youth Affairs (Zimbabwe), United States Department of State, Government, Organization, Ministry, Kennedy School, City, Vital Voices, Council, Fellow, Fellows, Gender identity, Council of Women World Leaders, Grid-style social management in China, Social media, Female, Management

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Voices Global Partnership is proud to announce its 2023 cohort of VVEngage Fellows, our signature fellowship program supporting outstanding women political leaders who are influencing policy across the globe.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Voices Global Partnership is proud to announce its 2023 cohort of VVEngage Fellows, our signature fellowship program supporting outstanding women political leaders who are influencing policy across the globe.
  • “This year’s VVEngage Cohort brings together a diverse group of women political leaders who are already making a huge impact on their communities,” said Manira Alva, Vice President of Issue Advocacy at Vital Voices.
  • The yearlong Fellowship launches today, May 16, 2023.
  • Visit VVEngage online to learn more and follow the program on social media using the hashtag #VVEngage.

BIA Southern California Pursues New Policy Platform To Address Veterans Housing Issues

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Construction & Property, Veterans, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Government, State, Local, Other Construction & Property, Other Policy Issues, Defense, Residential Building & Real Estate, HCD, Workforce, Housing, Education, Bed, Prosperity, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Policy, California Department, California Department of Housing and Community Development, CEQA, Golden State, Human, Multimedia, United States Department of State, Veterans' affairs, Homelessness, Builder, California Building Industry Association, Community development, Legislation, Real estate, Veteran

Entering their centennial year, BIASC has introduced a Veterans Housing Policy Framework featuring key reforms needed to expand housing opportunities for those that have served to protect our country.

Key Points: 
  • Entering their centennial year, BIASC has introduced a Veterans Housing Policy Framework featuring key reforms needed to expand housing opportunities for those that have served to protect our country.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230516005300/en/
    BIASC is proud to introduce a Veterans Housing Policy Framework featuring key reforms needed to expand housing opportunities for those that have served to protect our country.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    AB 1474 requires that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) consider and incorporate the housing needs of veterans into the statewide housing plan and requires that HCD consult with the State Department of Veterans Affairs when developing the plan.
  • As noted by the author, over the past decade, veteran homelessness has decreased in the United States and in California.

B&A Announces Strategic Acquisition of iDoxSolutions

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
General Services Administration, Federation, Partnership, Justice, Information technology, United States Department of Justice Justice Management Division, United States Department of State, Federal, Acquisition, Local, U.S. Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace, Management, State

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- B&A, a leader in systems integration and software development for the Federal government, announced the acquisition of iDoxSolutions, Inc. (iDox), a Bethesda based information technology and management consulting company.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- B&A, a leader in systems integration and software development for the Federal government, announced the acquisition of iDoxSolutions, Inc. (iDox), a Bethesda based information technology and management consulting company.
  • This acquisition marks a significant milestone for B&A as this is the first acquisition since their partnership with Battle Investment Group in 2022.
  • The combined entity will offer more advanced IT capabilities across Federal and State & Local markets.
  • "This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide our clients with consistent person-centric services to help fulfill their mission.

Q1 2023 Commercial Gaming Revenue Sets New Quarterly High, Topping $16B

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Tax, Record, State, IGaming Business, AGA, Economic development, Sport, Growth, Commercial, American Gaming Association, United States Department of State, Video game

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached a quarterly record of $16.60 billion in Q1 2023, marking the industry's eighth straight record-breaking quarter, according to the American Gaming Association's (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. The quarter was highlighted by the industry's highest-grossing month ever of $5.90 billion in March.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached a quarterly record of $16.60 billion in Q1 2023, marking the industry's eighth straight record-breaking quarter, according to the American Gaming Association's (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker .
  • Across the country, 18 of 35 commercial gaming markets set new revenue records for the quarter, with only Mississippi trailing its quarterly revenue from Q1 2022.
  • Every commercial gaming vertical saw quarterly revenue records in Q1 2023.
  • AGA's Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker provides state-by-state and cumulative insight into the U.S. commercial gaming industry's financial performance based on state revenue reports.

Joe Biden has said the US wasn't trying to 'contain' China, but the evidence suggests otherwise

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Defense, Cold War, Freedom, Violence, Anglo-French Wars, Politics, Policy, United States Department of Defense China Task Force, Trump, Foreign Affairs, AUKUS, Communism, Language, Government, Nose, United States Department of State, Financial Times, Quad, United, Book, Vaccine, Renewable energy, Fireworks, Drug, Pacific Ocean

During an official visit to Australia in 2016, US President Joe Biden assured America’s Pacific allies that “We’re not trying to contain China”.

Key Points: 
  • During an official visit to Australia in 2016, US President Joe Biden assured America’s Pacific allies that “We’re not trying to contain China”.
  • The Biden administration’s energetic promotion of the Quad grouping and the AUKUS alliance convey a message that few observers have difficulty interpreting.

The Cold War mantra

    • In the imagery of containment, “they” are always unruly and liable to overstep their boundaries.
    • If the US is to contain China, it must lead a global alliance committed to the same goal.
    • “Containment” was the great Cold War mantra.
    • Widespread public acceptance of Cold War containment policy towards China, Fisher argued, stemmed partly from its resonance with older, western images of the world.

The Trump era rhetoric

    • The widespread revival of Cold War containment rhetoric began under US President Donald Trump.
    • The Biden administration has tried to refashion Trump’s crude China-bashing into a more refined containment policy.
    • All of this is accompanied by repeated assurances from senior US officials that they are “not looking for conflict”.
    • Within the Biden administration, there are clearly divided views about the way this new version of containment is taking shape.