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EPA proposes adding New Mexico site to National Priorities List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed adding the Carlisle Village Cleaners Superfund Site to the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL identifies sites across the United States where historical releases of hazardous substances pose significant threats to human health and the environment.
EPA initiates asbestos cleanup at former textile printing site in Paterson
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will commence the removal of asbestos and hazardous materials from the abandoned Allied Textile Printing (ATP) site in Paterson, New Jersey. The cleanup, aimed at safeguarding the health of nearby residents and visitors, is set to begin on September 16, 2024, and is expected to take several months.
Meta resumes AI model training in UK with enhanced transparency measures
Meta will begin training its AI models using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK over the coming months. This initiative aims to ensure that Meta's generative AI models reflect British culture, history, and idiom, thereby enabling UK companies and institutions to utilize the latest technology. Meta plans to expand this effort to more countries and languages later this year.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $72.8M loan guarantee for solar microgrid on tribal lands
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $72.8 million loan guarantee to finance the development of a solar-plus-long-duration-energy-storage microgrid on the Tribal lands of the Viejas (Baron Long) Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians of the Viejas Reservation near Alpine, California. This initiative is part of the Investing in America agenda and aims to provide reliable renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure.
Secretary Blinken outlines steps against global disinformation
Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed the press on September 13, 2024, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in a democracy and outlining measures to combat disinformation.
UK, Meta reach agreement on training AI models
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office has reached an agreement with Meta, allowing the company to train its AI models within the UK.
Assistant Secretary Pyatt's upcoming visit to Houston focuses on clean energy initiatives
Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Houston, Texas, from September 16-17 to address the Gastech 2024 Conference and meet with energy industry leaders and ministers from around the world.
Netflix announces new Korean youth romance 'Love Untangled' set in 1998
Netflix has greenlit "Love Untangled," a youth romance feature set in 1998 that explores themes of first love and friendship. The film follows 19-year-old Park Se-ri as she plans to straighten her perpetually frizzy hair before making a life-changing confession, all while getting entangled with transfer student Han Yun-seok.
Navy to commission new Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Jersey
The Navy will commission the newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the future USS New Jersey (SSN 796), during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown Township, New Jersey.
HHS declares public health emergency due to Hurricane Francine
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for Louisiana to address the health impacts of Hurricane Francine. This declaration follows President Biden’s emergency declaration for Louisiana and grants the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), healthcare providers, and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting the emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
United States and Estonia sign agreement on countering foreign state information manipulation
Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop, with Estonian Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov in attendance, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Estonia on countering foreign state information manipulation.
Justice Department secures settlement with SP Plus over national origin discrimination claims
The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement with SP Plus Corporation (SP Plus), a transportation and parking management company headquartered in Chicago. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that SP Plus discriminated against a worker by rejecting a valid document that showed her permission to work and requesting that she provide unnecessary documentation, based on her national origin.
CFPB seeks permanent ban on Navient over predatory practices
On September 12, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a request for a permanent ban against student loan servicer Navient, citing repeated regulatory violations and pervasive predatory practices. This decision follows previous actions by the U.S. Department of Education and state officials to provide restitution to borrowers harmed by Navient’s history of illegal servicing practices. If granted, the CFPB’s order would require Navient to pay up to $120 million in penalties and redress to affected borrowers.
Event on protecting Americans from extreme heat hosted by Center for American Progress
The rise in extreme heat events across the United States, driven by climate change, has become a significant public health concern. These events result in more fatalities than any other severe weather or climate-related disasters and lead to numerous heat-related injuries and illnesses. The health impacts of extreme heat contribute to increased healthcare costs and decreased economic productivity. Populations most at risk include those with low incomes, individuals living in substandard housing, communities of color, outdoor and indoor workers, older adults, children,...
Legacy Traditional Schools agrees on Title VI compliance following OCR review
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced today that Legacy Traditional Schools (LTS), a network of 22 charter schools in Arizona, has entered into a resolution agreement to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agreement mandates LTS to provide language assistance to national origin minority students and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) to ensure their meaningful access to the school's programs and activities.
OIP updates resources for exemption 3 under Freedom Of Information Act
The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has posted updates to its compilation of Exemption 3 resources, intended to assist agencies in their administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to increase public understanding of the use of Exemption 3. These materials are located on the FOIA Resources page of OIP's site.
Legacy Traditional Schools resolves Title VI violations through an agreement with OCR
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced today that Legacy Traditional Schools (LTS), a network of 22 charter schools in Arizona, has entered into a resolution agreement to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agreement mandates LTS to provide language assistance to national origin minority students and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) to ensure their meaningful access to the school's programs and activities.
FTC announces agenda for September open commission meeting
Today, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan announced that an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The meeting will commence at 11 a.m. ET and will begin with time for members of the public to address the Commission.
EPA issues safety guidelines for communities affected by Hurricane Francine
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a reminder to communities affected by Hurricane Francine to be aware of potential safety concerns in homes and other buildings. The agency emphasizes the importance of operating portable generators according to instructions and always running them outside, far away from buildings. Using a portable generator inside or too close to a home can lead to injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
U.S. Treasury sanctions Venezuelan officials over electoral fraud allegations
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned 16 officials aligned with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing their roles in obstructing a competitive and inclusive presidential election process and violating civil and human rights. These actions are pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, as amended.
HHS issues notice of violation against Puerto Rico psychiatric hospital over disability rights
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a Letter of Finding and Notice of Violation against San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico. The hospital was found to have violated federal disability civil rights laws by failing to provide a sign language interpreter for a patient, as required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.
Wisconsin animal food plant cited for multiple safety violations by OSHA
Federal workplace safety inspectors have identified significant safety and health violations at a Wisconsin animal food production facility, exposing employees to risks of explosions, fires, and long-term respiratory illnesses due to excessive airborne dust.
EPA selects Pueblo of Sandia for climate pollution reduction grant
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Pueblo of Sandia as one of the selected applicants for funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The Pueblo's project, "Implementing Solutions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions," aims to install a commercial-scale solar photovoltaic system and electric vehicle charging stations at the Sandia Resort and Casino, which is the largest single source of energy consumption on the Pueblo.
Biden-Harris administration announces significant investment in domestic solar supply chain
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $40 million investment to support the solar energy supply chain, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. This funding aims to enhance the lifecycle of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems by increasing their lifespan and facilitating material recovery once decommissioned.
Global tech industry urges UK to adopt pro-innovation policies
The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a global tech trade association, has urged the UK government to adopt a global, pro-innovation approach to data and technology. ITI's new recommendations provide guidance on artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border data flows, trade, and security with the aim of boosting the UK economy, transforming public services, and advancing an ambitious Industrial Strategy.