News from September 2023
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will be allocating $10 million in funding for energy efficiency workforce training grants through its Career Skills Training program (CST). The grants will support classroom instruction and on-the-job training to prepare the workforce for certifications and to support clean energy installations. This announcement comes during Climate Week 2023, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting clean energy initiatives.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
Ovidio Guzmán López, one of Mexico's top fentanyl traffickers, has been extradited to the United States to face trial. Guzmán López, the son of notorious drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, pleaded not guilty to drug and money laundering charges. The extradition, which was fast-tracked by Mexico, may signal a shift in U.S.-Mexico anti-cartel relations.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
Gallagher, Hinson Demand DoD Briefing on Surge in Chinese Espionage Amidst Security Concerns
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with the aim of improving transparency in healthcare. The bill mandates hospitals to disclose the true costs of health services in a consumer-friendly format, in an effort to encourage price transparency and combat deceitful billing practices. Families USA executive director, Frederick Isasi, expressed approval of the legislation, stating that every family in the nation should be able to know the cost of a hospital service before it is provided. The bill also includes provisions to promote competition...
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
In a recent development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been denied its request to inspect Binance.US's software. This decision came from federal judge Zia Faruqui, further escalating the legal battle between the regulator and the U.S. affiliate of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act this December, The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) has released a report exploring ideas to improve conservation outcomes under the act. Since its inception five decades ago, the act has been successful in preventing extinction for most listed species. However, only a small number have recovered enough to be removed from the list.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
The proposed rule to restrict short-term health insurance plans has sparked controversy among healthcare experts who warn of the far-reaching consequences. One prominent healthcare authority, Michael F. Cannon, has voiced concerns about the potential impact of this regulation on short-term limited duration health insurance (STLDI) plans. Under this rule, STLDI plans would be limited to a four-month duration and renewals within a 12-month period for the same individual would be prohibited, potentially leaving those with illnesses without coverage.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will be allocating $400 million in funding to states and territories to enhance building energy efficiency, reduce costs for consumers, and bolster the climate resilience of buildings. This funding, made available through President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, aims to help states adopt and implement the latest building energy codes and zero energy codes, ultimately saving consumers up to $178 billion over the next 30 years.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
South Dakota landowners are celebrating after the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously rejected applications from Navigator CO2 Ventures and SCS Carbon Solutions to build carbon capture pipelines. The two applications aimed to construct extensive pipelines spanning hundreds of miles in South Dakota, but were denied due to various reasons such as inadequate communication with landowners, safety concerns, and violations of county ordinances.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The John Day-Snake Resource Advisory Council (JDSRAC) has announced that it will hold its regular business meeting on October 19 and 20 in Maupin, Oregon. The meeting will take place at the Maupin Civic Center and will provide an opportunity for public comment each day. The specific time allotted for public comment will depend on the number of individuals who wish to speak.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
On the fifth anniversary of Anton Black's untimely death, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is releasing a groundbreaking report that urges defenders to take an active role in tracking police misconduct. The report, titled "Dismantling the Blue Wall of Silence: Why Every Defender Should Track Law Enforcement Misconduct," highlights the importance of databases like the Full Disclosure Project, which has been monitoring over 150,000 law enforcement officers' misconduct records from 2020 to 2023.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
Urgent Call to Shield Polling Places from Gun Violence Ahead of 2024 Elections
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
Nelson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, has reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the victims and families affected by the actions of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former leader of Iran. Ahmadinejad has recently been blacklisted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control for providing support to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, which is also under sanctions by the Department of State.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to ensure that low-income residents in Hawaii who have been affected by the devastating wildfires receive the necessary food assistance. The USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) may be able to provide aid to 16,000 households that would not typically qualify for assistance under normal guidelines. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has emphasized the commitment of the USDA to help those impacted by the disaster.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking candidates to join the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, starting on September 18. The committee, established in 1992, provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on improving USDA's objectives for beginning farming and ranching businesses. The USDA is encouraging nominations from various sectors, including the ranching and farming industry, state and tribal agriculture organizations, academic institutions, and trade associations. Interested individuals can also nominate themselves.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
Williams: "The career prosecutors in this Office are dedicated to securing justice for the most vulnerable victims of sexual abuse and exploitation".
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
In a recent development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has detained a Russian international money launderer for smuggling military-grade electronics from the United States to Russian elites. Maxim Marchenko, a Russian citizen residing in Hong Kong, has been accused of various offenses, including conspiring to defraud the United States, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering. The DOJ believes that Marchenko was involved in an illegal scheme to obtain dual-use microelectronics with military applications from the US for end users in Russia.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 20, 2023
The naming of public lands holds significant importance, as it shapes our collective identity and impacts future generations. Recently, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that Mount Evans in Eastern Colorado will be renamed Mount Blue Sky. This decision came after a thorough process that involved consultations with various stakeholders, including tribal governments.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The Committee on Homeland Security (CHS) has expressed growing concerns over the mismanagement and alleged failures of the CBP One app at the U.S. Southwest border. In a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the committee demanded greater transparency and immediate action to address the issues associated with the app's utilization. The CBP One app was developed to provide a safe and lawful path for migrants, eliminating interference from smuggling organizations. However, reports since June 2023 have indicated that cartels have found ways to exploit the app,...
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has submitted a petition to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting changes to the recusal process in order to promote transparency and public trust. The Chamber emphasized the important role played by the FTC in enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws and expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The petition specifically referenced FTC Chair Lina Khan's alleged failure to recuse herself in the Meta case, despite advice from ethics officials. As a result, the Chamber called for a formalized recusal process that...
