AHEPA Commends U.S. Embassy’s Campaign to Commemorate Greece’s Bicentennial

 

American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

January 15, 2021

AHEPA Commends U.S. Embassy’s Campaign to Commemorate Greece’s Bicentennial

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA) commends the U.S. Embassy in Athens on the launch of its year-long campaign to commemorate Greece’s Bicentennial entitled “USA & Greece: Celebrating 200 Years of Friendship,” announced Supreme President George G. Horiates. “We are pleased to see a campaign that highlights stories of friendship and the historical connection between our people of Greece and the United States; educates and celebrates the role American Philhellenes played in Greece’s fight for independence; champions entrepreneurship; and overall, displays pride and commitment to the strategic partnership between two allied countries, Greece and the United States. “AHEPA looks forward to a year full of commemorative events that includes, with great anticipation, hosting our annual Supreme Convention in Athens in July 2021. We are pleased to be working in cooperation with the Greek government and the U.S. Embassy in Athens to join in the celebration of the bicentennial of Greece’s independence,” Supreme President Horiates said. AHEPA previewed the U.S. Embassy’s campaign in the newly-released issue of The Ahepan magazine.  To learn more about the embassy's campaign, please click here. # # #

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement..

 Prime Minister releases supplementary mandate letters for ministers

January 15, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario

The global COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious public health crisis Canada has ever faced. It has had devastating impacts on the lives and livelihoods of Canadians, and has exposed fundamental gaps in our society. The Government of Canada will keep doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to have people’s backs during this difficult time. We will continue to support families and protect Canadians’ health and jobs as we work to build a stronger, more resilient country.

To continue to support Canadians through the pandemic and build a healthier, cleaner, and fairer Canada, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today released supplementary mandate letters for Cabinet ministers.

The supplementary mandate letters outline the government’s continued plan to address the challenges of today and prepare for the opportunities of the future. They reaffirm our top priorities, to keep Canadians safe and healthy and help people and businesses pay their bills through this continued crisis. They also outline our bold approach to build back better, which includes creating over one million new jobs, taking action to fight climate change, and ensuring everyone has an equal and fair chance at success.

Since 2015, the Prime Minister has publicly released ministerial mandate letters to remain open, transparent, and accountable to Canadians. As we continue to battle this crisis, the government will deliver real results for all Canadians and take action to ensure everyone has the support they need.

Quote

“The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for all Canadians. As a team, we are committed to doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to keep Canadians safe and supported. These mandate letters outline the actions that our government will continue to take to fight this pandemic, keep people safe, and build a Canada that is stronger, more resilient, and fairer for everyone.”

The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• The mandate letters released today add to the commitments laid out in the mandate letters released in December 2019. They outline further responsibilities and prioritize key areas of focus for the government to fight COVID-19 and ensure a strong economic recovery in Canada.
• Mandate letters outline the policy objectives that each minister will work to accomplish, as well as the pressing challenges they will address in their role. Mandate letters are not an exhaustive list of all files a minister will work on.
• Publicly available mandate letters help Canadians hold the government to account. They outline the Prime Minister’s expectations for each minister, and give Canadians a clear idea of how the government will deliver its agenda.

Associated Link

• Mandate letters

Le premier ministre rend publiques les lettres de mandat supplémentaires des

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,updates

Latest on COVID-19





COVID-19 origins of the virus

Why is it important for scientists to look for the origins of the virus? How do scientists investigate the claim that the virus originated in a laboratory? Dr Peter Ben Embarek who leads this work explains in Science in 5.




Who can take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

According to WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is safe and effective. Nevertheless, there are specific populations for whom vaccination is not recommended.




How will we ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines?

Who should get access to vaccines first and how will countries allocate limited supplies?



The race for a COVID-19 vaccine, explained

How many different COVID-19 vaccines are in development and what are the differences?

More Info on WHO’s response to the pandemic

Other hot topics

Global Ebola vaccine stockpile announced



As Ebola outbreaks are relatively rare and unpredictable, there is no natural market for the vaccine. Vaccines are only secured through the establishment of the stockpile and are available in limited quantities. The Ebola vaccine is reserved for outbreak response to protect people at the highest risk of contracting Ebola.
Find out more

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,update

January 15, 2021
This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.



Tips on Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

If you are celebrating this day of service with people outside your household, make sure you follow steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are some activities that are safer to do.



Drop off a meal to a neighbor.
Make hygiene kits for local homeless shelters.
Send care packages to deployed troops.
Plan an outdoor activity with people who live with you, such as a park cleanup or walk.
Attend a virtual speech or event, such as the annual religious ceremony.
Share CDC prevention messages with your friends and family.



Everyone Can Make Holiday Celebrations Safer
Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
Indoors or outdoors, stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you.
Avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from outside. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Get your flu and COVID-19 shots as soon as possible.



Safer Celebrations

Celebrating virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice this winter. If you do gather with people who don’t live with you, gatherings and activities held outdoors are safer than indoor gatherings. If hosting or attending a holiday celebration, have conversations with your guests and the host ahead of time to make sure people will be following prevention methods. Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils. Take the steps that everyone can take to make the holidays safer.
Safer Celebrations


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

U.S.A.'s interesting latest news

For more information on today's action, please visit this page.
SEC Awards Nearly $600,000 to Whistleblower

Securities and Exchange Commission

Publication of Hong Kong-Related Sanctions Regulations

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing regulations to implement Executive Order 13936 of July 14, 2020, "The President's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization." These regulations were published in the Federal Register, and take effect, today. OFAC intends to supplement this part 585 with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive and definitional guidance and additional general licenses and statements of licensing policy.

For more information on this specific action, please visit this page

SEC Awards Nearly $600,000 to Whistleblower 01/14/2021 11:00 AM EST The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced an award of nearly $600,000 to a whistleblower whose tip led to the success of an enforcement action.  The whistleblower substantially contributed to an open investigation by providing detailed… Issuance of Communist Chinese Military Companies General License 2 and Related Frequently Asked Questions; Issuance of Executive Order on Amending Executive Order 13959 The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued General License 2, "Authorizing Securities Exchanges Operated by U.S. Persons to Engage in Transactions Involving Securities of Communist Chinese Military Companies." OFAC has also published new frequently asked questions (871, 872, 873, 874) related to Executive Order (E.O.) 13959, "Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies." In addition, the President has issued "Executive Order on Amending Executive Order 13959–Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies." For more information on this specific action, please visit our Recent Actions page.

IRS Guidewire ,update

IRS GuideWire January 15, 2021

Issue Number: N-2021-12
Inside This Issue

Notice 2021-12 extends the temporary relief from certain requirements under § 42 for qualified low-income housing projects and under §§ 142(d) and 147(d) for qualified residential rental projects that was provided in Notice 2020-53, 2020-30 I.R.B. 151 in response to the continuing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This notice also provides relief for additional § 42 requirements not previously addressed in Notice 2020-53.

Notice 2021-12 will be in IRB: 2021-6, dated February 8, 2021.

Back to Top


Issue Number: RR-2021-03
Inside This Issue

Revenue Ruling 2021-03 provides the covered compensation tables effective January 1, 2021.

Revenue Ruling 2021-03 will be in IRB: 2021-5, dated February 1, 2021.


Issue Number: IR-2021-16
Inside This Issue

2021 tax filing season begins Feb. 12; IRS outlines steps to speed refunds during pandemic

U.S.A.:Financial Crimes Enforcement Network,update

FinCEN Updates: FinCEN Announces $390,000,000 Enforcement Action Against Capital One, National Association for Violations of the Bank Secrecy Act

FinCEN Announces $390,000,000 Enforcement Action Against Capital One, National Association for Violations of the Bank Secrecy Act

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today announced that Capital One, National Association has been assessed a $390,000,000 civil money penalty for engaging in both willful and negligent violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations.

News Release: https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-announces-390000000-enforcement-action-against-capital-one-national
Assessment: https://www.fincen.gov/sites/default/files/shared/Assessment_CONA%20508.pdf

U.S. Department of Labor,updates

U.S. Department of Labor
January 15, 2021

Protecting American Workers

A final rule aims to protect the wages and job opportunities of American workers by reforming the minimum prevailing wages for permanent employment certification, H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa foreign worker programs.

New Opinion Letters Issued

The Department of Labor issued five new opinion letters providing compliance assistance related to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Two opinion letters issued Jan. 8
Three opinion letters issued Jan. 15

Unemployment Insurance Statement

Read Secretary Eugene Scalia's statement on the recent unemployment insurance claims.


New Unemployment Benefits

If you’re out of work or your hours are reduced for reasons related to COVID-19, check out our blog on common questions about the extension of unemployment insurance benefits.

COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Release: A California manufacturer has paid back wages and reinstated two employees wrongfully terminated after requesting coronavirus-related leave.
Release: A California produce company has paid $6,000 in back wages to five employees wrongly denied paid sick leave after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT



Farmworker Rule

The Department announced a final rule that modernizes and improves the H-2A temporary agriculture program.



Rural Healthcare

The Department awarded $40 million to reduce rural healthcare workforce shortages.



Mine Safety Report

There were 29 mining fatalities in 2020, making it the sixth consecutive year that mining fatalities were below 30.


Missing Participant Guidance

New guidance will help fiduciaries meet their obligations to locate and distribute retirement benefits to missing or nonresponsive plan participants.



Contractor Service Report

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs recently published its 2020 Ombuds Service Annual Report.

Wages Restored

A Florida-based federal security contractor has paid $141,047 in back wages to employees in Louisiana to resolve labor law violations.



Disability Inclusion

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs released the inaugural annual report detailing the agency’s efforts to promote the inclusion of people with a disability in federal contractor workforces.

COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT


FLSA Video Tutorials

Check out this collection of short videos on commonly asked questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act.