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Biden-Harris administration announces major grants for affordable housing initiatives

Vice President Harris and Acting Secretary Todman announced funding for communities to eliminate barriers to building housing, production, and launch innovative strategies to address local housing needs.

U.S., Philippine defense leaders discuss regional security concerns

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a phone conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Medicare announces cost reductions for select drugs under new rebate program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced that some Medicare enrollees will pay less for 64 drugs available through Medicare Part B. The reduced Part B coinsurance rate will be effective from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, as each drug company raised prices faster than the rate of inflation. Over 750,000 people with Medicare use these drugs annually to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, and infections.

China rejects key human rights proposals at latest UN review

The Chinese government’s rejection of recommendations to address its human rights record reflects its disregard for international human rights reviews at the United Nations, according to a joint statement by the Uyghur Human Rights Project and 15 other organizations. The statement was released on June 25, 2024.

Department of Labor completes impact inspections at multiple mines citing numerous violations

The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections in May 2024 at 15 mines across 12 states, resulting in the identification of 300 violations and one safeguard.

Supreme Court rules against states challenging Biden's communication with social media firms

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that two states and five social media users did not have standing to challenge the Biden administration’s communication with social media companies over concerns about COVID-19 misinformation and election interference.

USDA seeks public input on standards for climate-smart biofuel feedstocks

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather public input on procedures for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the impact of climate-smart farming practices on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from U.S.-grown biofuel feedstock crops. This initiative aims to establish voluntary standards for biofuel feedstocks cultivated with practices that mitigate GHG emissions or sequester soil carbon. These standards, authorized by section 2709 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, could be considered in international,...

EPA reclassifies three Texas metro areas from moderate to serious nonattainment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Governor Greg Abbott’s request to reclassify the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, and San Antonio metro areas from moderate to serious nonattainment of the current ozone standard. This reclassification necessitates the implementation of more stringent emission control strategies to meet the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.

CTIA and others call for collaboration on FCC Safe Connections Act rules

The FCC should "promote access and utility of supportive services to survivors," said Electronic Privacy Information Center, Clinic to End Tech Abuse, National Network to End Domestic Violence, and Public Knowledge in joint comments. The groups urged the FCC to continue working with stakeholders to "develop an anti-abusable framework for connected devices."

Weekend Interview: From diplomat to defender, Joseph Cella’s fight against PRC influence in Michigan

Joseph Cella served as U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu from 2019 to 2021. He's the founder and principal of the Pontifex Group, founder of the National Catholic prayer breakfast, and cofounder of the Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Group.

Virtual fencing summit explores new horizons in wildlife conservation

Earlier this month, Bozeman, Montana, hosted a significant virtual fencing workshop. Organized by the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) in collaboration with the Beyond Yellowstone Program, the event gathered experts from various sectors to explore advancements in virtual fencing technology. The workshop was supported by sponsors including the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, World Wildlife Fund, and the University of Wyoming’s Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources – MacMillan Private Lands Stewardship Program, with backing from the Alumbra...

Virginia couple sentenced for forcing relative into labor at gas station

A Virginia couple was sentenced today for compelling the labor of the man’s younger cousin at their gas station and convenience store for over three years. The couple has since divorced.

New York man charged over transnational "grandparent scam" targeting elderly Americans

A federal grand jury has charged a New York man for allegedly acting as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly Americans. Victor Anthony Valdez, 39, of the Bronx, faces one count of wire fraud conspiracy. The indictment, unsealed today in Newark, New Jersey, alleges that the scam operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic. These call centers made phone calls to elderly American victims pretending to be their grandchildren or associated legal personnel.

Biden-Harris Administration outlines comprehensive steps towards improving railway safety

Since President Biden took office, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken key steps to improve railway safety by deploying funding from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, holding railroads accountable, raising rail safety standards, and supporting first responders and rail workers. Following the Norfolk Southern derailment last year, the Administration has mobilized a comprehensive effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio. However, while the President has been pushing to increase rail safety, House Republicans have actively worked against this...

Secretary Blinken to release international religious freedom report

Secretary Blinken will deliver on-camera remarks for the release of the 2023 International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in the Treaty Room at the U.S. Department of State. This event will be livestreamed on www.state.gov.

EPA awards over $8 million to cut pollution from residential wood heaters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded an $8,804,000 grant under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and its network of partner air agencies. This funding aims to support emissions testing and other activities designed to reduce air pollution from wood heaters.

Tarah Wheeler joins Electronic Frontier Foundation's board

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has announced that Tarah Wheeler, a social scientist studying international conflict and CEO of the cybersecurity compliance company Red Queen Dynamics, has joined its Board of Directors. Wheeler has been on EFF’s advisory board since June 2020.

Connecticut property owner settles over federal lead-paint rules violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with J. Da Silva Properties, LLC, a property owner based in Danbury, Connecticut, for alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Disclosure Rule). As part of the settlement, J. Da Silva Properties has agreed to comply with the Disclosure Rule, pay a penalty of $68,078, and undertake two lead-based paint abatement Supplemental Environmental Projects estimated to cost $44,453.

Biden-Harris Administration allocates $22M for Chesapeake Bay restoration

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $22.4 million in grants to 13 selectees through the Innovative Nutrient & Sediment Reduction grant program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The grants will leverage $35.3 million in matching contributions, generating a total conservation impact of $57.7 million. This program is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through a grant from EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Over $12.4 million in funding comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the...

New scorecard by EPIC assesses strength of AI legislation

The nonprofit research organization Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has published a document designed to assess the strength of state and federal artificial intelligence legislation.

CDT’s Tech Talk discusses Paul Gowder’s book on social media governance

The latest episode of CDT's Tech Talk, hosted by Jamal Magby, delves into the intersection of technology and Internet policy. Available on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn, the podcast aims to clarify complex policies and their implications for everyday life.

Secretary Blinken to deliver remarks in honor of Pride Month

In honor of Pride Month, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host a convening and reception for U.S. leaders championing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) equality across the U.S. government and around the world on Thursday, June 27, at the Department of State. The convening will begin at 1:00 p.m. EDT in the Burns Auditorium, and the reception remarks will begin at 6:00 p.m. EDT in the Benjamin Franklin Room. The Secretary will deliver remarks at both events which will be open to pre-registered press and streamed live on the Department...

U.S. sanctions nearly 50 entities linked to Iran's shadow banking network

The United States has sanctioned nearly 50 entities and individuals forming a covert network used by Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to gain illicit access to the international financial system. According to officials, Iran’s MODAFL and the IRGC generate revenue from illicit trade, leveraging a "shadow banking" network of Iranian exchange houses and numerous foreign cover companies under their control to funnel funds for terrorism and other activities that threaten global security.

USDA proposes new rule targeting unfair practices in meat industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposed rule aimed at addressing unfair practices and competitive injury within the livestock, meat, and poultry industries. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to foster a fairer, more competitive, and resilient supply chain in these sectors.

EPA fines Gloucester company for Clean Air Act violations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with a seafood processor in Gloucester, Massachusetts, over alleged violations of the General Duty Clause of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. The violations pertain to the company's handling of anhydrous ammonia at its facility.