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Nigerian brothers sentenced for role in fatal teen sextortion scheme

The Justice Department announced today that Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, both of Lagos, Nigeria, were each sentenced to 210 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to sexually exploit minors. On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student Jordan DeMay of Marquette, Michigan died as a result of this sextortion scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims.

Assistant Attorney General announces charges against Russian military officers

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen announced charges against five officers of the Russian military intelligence agency, GRU, and one civilian Russian cyber-criminal for their involvement in cyber intrusions. The announcement was made alongside U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge William DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.

Biden-Harris Administration awards $1.5M grant to Mashantucket Pequot Tribe

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a grant of over $1.5 million to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation aimed at reducing climate pollution and accelerating the transition to clean energy. The funding, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, was disclosed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 5, 2024.

FTC provides annual summary of debt collection activities

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has provided the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with its annual summary of activities aimed at protecting consumers in the debt collection sector.

Generative AI raises complex questions about section 230 applicability

The rise of Generative AI in the world of technology, especially within the last year, has led to numerous questions and concerns regarding its responsible governance in policy spaces across the political spectrum. One such debated question is whether Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996 applies to outputs created by Generative AI systems. In 2023, Senator Josh Hawley introduced legislation intended to exclude Generative AI systems from the purview of Section 230. In the same year, Senator Ron Wyden and former Representative Chris Cox, authors of Section 230,...

Study highlights double-edged sword of digital spaces for LGBTQ+ youth

In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms have become integral to our lives, especially for young people. But how do these online spaces affect LGBTQ+ youth differently from their heterosexual peers? A recent study explores this question, examining the frequency and severity of online risks, the impact on mental health, and the specific nature of these experiences for LGBTQ+ youth based on their private social media interactions.

EPA allocates $15 million for research on reducing PFAS exposure in agriculture

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $15 million in research grant funding to ten institutions for studies aimed at reducing exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from food and protecting farmlands and farming communities. These projects will gather data on PFAS bioaccumulation in agricultural plants and livestock, exploring strategies to mitigate PFAS exposure, a key aspect of the EPA’s commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment.

Labor Department recovers $375K for unpaid overtime from Rochester-based nursing homes

BUFFALO, NY – The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $375,649 in back wages and liquidated damages for 806 current and former employees of nursing homes in upstate New York that were denied overtime pay in violation of federal law.

EPA proposes adding West Eugene's J.H.Baxter site to Superfund cleanup list

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed adding the J. H. Baxter site in West Eugene, Oregon, to the Superfund National Priorities List. This list identifies hazardous waste sites in the United States eligible for cleanup under the federal Superfund Program.

FTC issues report on multi-level marketing income disclosures

The staff of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued a report detailing findings from a review of income disclosure statements from 70 different multi-level marketers (MLMs).

EPA issues draft permits for underground injection control wells in Texas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued draft Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three proposed wells intended for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Ector County, Texas. These are the first such permits issued in Texas under the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program, aimed at protecting underground drinking water sources from contamination.

Labor Department recovers $141K for Dallas-area home healthcare workers

The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $141,262 in back wages and damages for 28 workers employed by Solid Care Home Health Inc., a Dallas-area home healthcare provider. The recovery follows an investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division, which found that the company had violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

American Property Casualty Insurance Association expert: Policymakers should prioritize ‘Addressing legal system abuse’

American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) Vice President Bob Passmore stated that if lawmakers prioritize legislation addressing "legal system abuse," such as undisclosed third-party litigation funding, they could curb rising car insurance costs.

U.S. takes measures against Russian election interference

The U.S. Department of State announced three measures aimed at countering Russian influence and interference in the 2024 U.S. elections. These actions are part of a coordinated effort with the Department of the Treasury and other government agencies.

EPA announces grants supporting Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration

On September 4, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $23.8 million in Small Watershed grants to support restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Of this funding, $11.6 million is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), while $9.3 million comes from regular annual appropriations. The program is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through a grant from EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office.

Verkada settles lawsuit over alleged email violations with $2.95M penalty

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced today that Verkada Inc., a cloud-based security company headquartered in San Mateo, California, has agreed to a settlement requiring it to pay a $2.95 million civil penalty and implement extensive data security measures. This settlement resolves allegations that Verkada violated the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act and engaged in unfair and deceptive practices in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Pennsylvania home care agency ordered to pay $1M for wage violations

The U.S. Department of Labor has secured a summary judgment in federal court to recover over $1 million in back wages and liquidated damages for 193 employees of a Pennsylvania home care agency. The agency, WiCare Home Care Agency LLC, and its owner, Luis Hernandez, were found to have failed to pay the required minimum and overtime wages.

EPA proposes adding Exide Technologies – Vernon site to Superfund National Priorities List

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the proposed addition of the Exide Technologies – Vernon site in Vernon, California, to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL identifies sites across the United States and its territories where historic releases of hazardous substances pose significant threats to human health and the environment.

Motocross coach sentenced to 40 years for child exploitation crimes

A motocross instructor who mentored children was sentenced today to 40 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay at least $193,500 in restitution for sexually exploiting numerous children.

U.S Treasury sanctions individuals over alleged interference attempts targeting 2024 presidential election

The United States takes action to defend and protect U.S. election institutions and processes from Moscow’s attempts to influence the 2024 Presidential Election.

Center for American Progress critiques proposed changes under Project 2025

Washington, D.C. — Project 2025 would increase the power of corporations at the expense of Americans’ health and well-being by giving more control to health care companies while removing protections that help patients get the care they need. A new column from the Center for American Progress examines five ways Project 2025 puts corporate profits above patients. This includes Project 2025’s plans to:

EPA proposes adding Historic Potteries site in NJ to Superfund priorities list

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed adding the Historic Potteries site in Trenton, New Jersey, to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites. This inclusion would provide the EPA with necessary resources to address significant lead contamination affecting residential areas, public spaces, and parks in East Trenton.

Justice Department launches civil rights probe into alleged abuses at two California prisons

On September 4, 2024, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced a civil rights investigation into allegations of staff sexual abuse at two California prisons: Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino. These facilities, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, house over 3,000 individuals, including women, transgender, and non-binary people.

Shooting incident at Apalachee High School prompts statement from gun violence prevention advocate

According to reports, multiple students have been killed or injured in a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. In response, Nick Wilson, senior director of Gun Violence Prevention at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:

U.S. signs science & technology cooperation agreement with Latvia

On September 4 in Riga, Latvia, the United States and the Republic of Latvia signed the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The Agreement will expand cooperation in science and technology and deepen the vital partnership between the United States and Latvia.