This settlement addresses damages totaling $103 million under the Rivers and Harbors Act, Oil Pollution Act, and maritime law. The funds will support the U.S. Treasury and several federal agencies directly impacted by the incident.“Today’s settlement marks a major milestone, just seven months after one of the most devastating transportation disasters in recent history,” Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer said. “Thanks to the diligence of Justice Department attorneys, we secured this early resolution, ensuring that the federal government’s response costs are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy—not the American taxpayer.”On March 26, the Motor Vessel DALI suffered repeated power failures while navigating through the Fort McHenry Channel. This resulted in a tragic collision with the bridge, which claimed six lives and halted shipping through the Port of Baltimore. In response, the U.S. led a multi-agency effort, removing nearly 50,000 tons of debris and reopening the channel by June 10. Temporary channels helped reduce port congestion and mitigate economic impacts during the recovery.The Justice Department’s civil lawsuit, filed in September, sought over $100 million in damages. Today’s settlement follows Grace Ocean’s $97,294 payment to the Coast Guard for pollution abatement. Maryland has filed its claim for bridge reconstruction

A heartbreaking incident unfolded at a Walmart in Halifax, Canada, as emergency responders discovered a teenage employee deceased in the store’s bakery walk-in oven.Emergency audio obtained by The Daily Mail reveals initial confusion among first responders. A dispatcher describes the scene as a “technical rescue call” involving a female “locked in an oven in the bakery” with the power reportedly still on. First responders on the scene confirmed that the woman had been freed from the oven upon their arrival, and Halifax Regional Police took over the investigation.The young victim, a 19-year-old Walmart employee, has yet to be publicly identified. Police, working in coordination with Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, are investigating the tragic event’s circumstances.Halifax Regional Police were called to the location on October 19th, at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time, and confirmed her passing in a statement released on October 21st. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to determine the cause and manner of death. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues affected by this devastating incident.

Recent events in northern Gaza have underscored the mounting challenges for healthcare providers amid escalating conflict. Following days of intense siege and airstrikes, Israeli forces withdrew from Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, one of the few remaining operational facilities. The aftermath left a stark scene of destruction, with vital equipment, medical supplies, and building infrastructure severely impacted, according to footage captured on the ground.During the siege, Gaza’s health ministry reported that hundreds of patients, healthcare professionals, and displaced families sought refuge within the hospital, underscoring the critical need for secure medical zones. Reports indicate that only three doctors remained to tend to patients amid the chaos.This crisis has taken a particularly personal toll on healthcare workers. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, who served as the hospital’s director, lost his young son in recent strikes, a devastating reminder of the personal sacrifices made by those on the frontlines of humanitarian care.Global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Doctors Without Borders, have voiced grave concerns. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as “catastrophic,” with staff shortages and limited resources impacting nearly 200 patients. The United Nations has called for immediate action, labeling the humanitarian situation “unbearable” for

But imagine if its waters were compromised—a chemical spill, severe drought, or infrastructure failure could result in immediate, widespread disruption.A new report by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin estimates that a major event affecting the river could cost the region nearly $15 billion within the first month alone.Without the Potomac, businesses would close, hospitals would struggle, and millions would face an emergency with no immediate backup water supply. The first day alone could result in $146.9 million in losses, with compounding impacts as businesses shutter and people lose jobs. The federal government, too, would feel the hit, missing out on hundreds of millions in tax revenue.Policymakers and residents must recognize the economic lifeline the Potomac provides. As Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, emphasized: “Our region’s economic vitality and quality of life are directly tied to clean, reliable water resources.” With no major reservoir nearby, the need for federal investment in crucial infrastructure is urgent.This is not just about prevention—it is about safeguarding the future of the D.C. region’s economy, health, and daily life. The report calls for partnerships to improve water supply resilience, highlighting the massive costs that would arise

Port workers along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are poised to strike starting at midnight on Monday, with no further talks scheduled. The strike could halt container traffic from Maine to Texas, impacting major industries and threatening to cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion daily.The labor contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), is set to expire Monday night. At the heart of the impasse are disputes over wages, with the union claiming a “half-century of wage subjugation.” If the strike proceeds, it will mark the first coast-wide ILA strike since 1977.Ports that handle nearly half of the nation’s ocean freight will be affected, disrupting the flow of critical goods such as food and automobiles. While the ILA has stated that military and cruise shipments would not be impacted, the broader implications of the strike could stoke inflation and impact jobs just weeks before the U.S. presidential election.Industry groups, including the Business Roundtable, have expressed deep concern, warning that a prolonged strike could have devastating effects on businesses, workers, and consumers across the country. They are urging both parties to reach an agreement before the midnight

A recent report from Resume Now found that around 90% of U.S. workers aged 40 or older have experienced ageism. A key example is compensation—nearly half of these workers earn less than their younger colleagues for doing the same job. Additionally, 49% of respondents reported being passed over for career growth opportunities in favor of younger, less experienced workers.The impact goes beyond pay disparities. According to the report, 22% of workers aged 40 and above say they are excluded from challenging assignments, and nearly all respondents noted that ageism has limited their access to professional development and training. Moreover, 16% stated that they have been overlooked for promotions in favor of younger employees.This pervasive bias is taking a toll on employee well-being; among workers who have faced ageism, 45% reported feeling isolated, 44% experienced depression, and 36% suffered from anxiety. Despite these impacts, ageism can be challenging to address. While 94% of those who reported age bias to HR say they took action, only 45% felt that HR effectively mediated the issue.HR leaders must play a pivotal role in combating ageism as the workforce ages. It is essential to dismantle these biases, create equitable opportunities for advancement, and recognize the

Three Dominican Republic citizens were arrested in connection with the bust. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took custody of the narcotics and the suspects for further investigation.During a routine patrol on October 2, AMO’s Maritime Enforcement Aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel heading toward Puerto Rico. In coordination with a Coastal Interceptor vessel, the craft was intercepted 16 miles east of Desecheo Island. Subsequent lab tests confirmed the presence of cocaine in 17 bales found onboard.“This interdiction highlights our relentless commitment to border security and protecting citizens from the dangers of illicit narcotics,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of AMO operations in the Caribbean. DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent Denise Foster emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies in combating drug trafficking and safeguarding communities.This operation is part of a broader effort by CBP to curb drug smuggling in the region. In fiscal 2024 alone, AMO agents nationwide have seized over 60,000 pounds of cocaine, underscoring the ongoing challenge posed by international drug trafficking.AMO deploys over 1,800 federal agents, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, playing a pivotal role in securing the nation’s borders and countering narcotics trafficking.

he lawsuit, filed in 2021, accuses Amazon of anti-competitive practices in its treatment of third-party sellers and alleges that the company inflated prices for consumers.The court ruled that the district’s complaint presented sufficient facts to survive Amazon’s motion to have the case thrown out.Amazon has denied the allegations and looks forward to presenting its case in court.The District of Columbia Attorney General has expressed determination to continue fighting against what they perceive as Amazon’s unfair and unlawful practices.Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission is bringing an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon.

he Dutch Data Protection Authority stated that the data transfers over more than two years constituted a severe breach of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, which requires proper measures to protect user data.The Dutch DPA chairman, Aleid Wolfsen, emphasized that businesses and governments must care about personal data by the GDPR. Failure to do so, especially when transferring personal data of Europeans outside the EU, is viewed very seriously.The fine was issued despite the complaints filed by 170 French Uber drivers, as Uber’s European headquarters is in the Netherlands.Uber, however, contested the decision, claiming that its cross-border data transfer process was compliant with GDPR. The company plans to appeal the decision.The alleged breach occurred following a 2020 EU court ruling invalidating the Privacy Shield agreement, which facilitated data transfers to the United States. The Dutch data protection agency mentioned that although standard contract clauses could provide a basis for transferring data outside the EU, Uber had not used them effectively, resulting in insufficient protection for the data of EU drivers.Uber’s use of the successor to Privacy Shield, which began at the end of last year, effectively ended the alleged breach.The Computer & Communications Industry Association also criticized the