Tuesday Morning Federal Newsstand

Written by Ruben Gomez
Edited by Suzanne Kubota

This morning’s federal news as heard on WFED:

The Justice Department launches a criminal probe to investigate allegations of torture under the Bush CIA. Attorney General Eric Holder has appointed veteran prosecutor John Durham to vet the charges. Newly unclassified documents reveal that interrogators used threats of violence and sexual assault against terror suspects and their families. Monday, the White House announced that a new FBI unit will lead all future interrogations under new rules.

Starting October first, you can spend a little more on government travel. The General Services Administration is boosting the average per diem rate for fiscal 2010. Per diem is the allowance for meals and incidentals, and lodging expenses, excluding taxes. But in some areas, rates will go down.

Swine flu could hit up to half the American population this winter, killing 90,000 and jamming hospitals with up to two-million sick people. Some 300,000 people could become ill enough for intensive care. White House science advisors issued a report yesterday urgently calling on the federal government to help drug makers speed up their production of H1N1 vaccines.

Health and Human Services will use technology to make sure you have a hospital bed if you need it during this fall’s expected swine flu comeback. GovernmentHealthIT reports the department will use an online system called HavBED to keep tabs on hospital capacity in all states and territories. White House science advisors say that swine flu could hit up to half the American population this winter.

Veterans Affairs moves to speed compensation to service members with post traumatic stress disorder. VA has proposed a rule that would reduce the amount of evidence some military members need in order to receive payment. The change would apply only to troops who fear hostile military or terrorist activity. VA will take your comments on the rule thru October 23rd.

Other Stories We’re Following

Latest in Stimulus: ‘Cash for Refrigerators’ (BusinessWeek)

IRS launches YouTube, iTunes sites (FCW)

Freezer-free: Owner of Ben & Jerry’s Launches Room-Temperature Ice Cream Project (ScientificAmerican)

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