News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the Bonneville Environmental Foundation will receive $43.7 million through the Solar for All (SFA) grant competition to implement residential solar programs in Montana. The award is part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aimed at lowering energy costs, creating jobs, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis."EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients announced today will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced historic actions to support family caregivers, boost compensation for care workers, and improve care options in nursing homes. These actions, announced during Care Workers Recognition Month, are part of President Biden's commitment to improve the quality of care in federally-funded facilities."HHS has been at the center of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to improve care and caregiving for Americans at all stages of their lives," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The new rules aim to enhance...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
On April 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant investment of nearly $250 million to deliver residential solar and advance environmental justice across California. This funding is part of the Solar for All grant competition, aimed at enabling low-income and disadvantaged communities to benefit from solar energy.Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "For years, the benefits of household solar – such as the significant savings on energy bills – have been...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has taken a firm stance against Connecticut Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which aims to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) at the state level. In a statement released on Apr 22, 2024, CTA's CEO, Gary Shapiro, expressed concerns about SB 2 and highlighted the need for a national policy on AI regulation.Shapiro emphasized that SB 2 would burden AI developers and deployers with excessive obligations that reach beyond Connecticut's borders. He warned that such regulations could hinder innovation and impede market growth. CTA opposes SB 2...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
On April 19, 2024, the Biden administration unveiled the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, a crucial tool supporting the "America the Beautiful" initiative. The atlas serves as a benchmark for U.S. conservation progress and a guide for future action at different governmental levels.President Joe Biden emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating that "America the Beautiful" aims to unite communities and governments in conserving nature. His leadership has inspired nationwide action, with the formation of the America the Beautiful for All...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
Netflix has announced its return to the prestigious Annecy Festival with an impressive and diverse program, showcasing a range of highly anticipated films and series. The streaming giant's lineup comes on the heels of critical acclaim and awards success for its animated projects.One of the highlights of Netflix's presence at Annecy will be the presentation titled "Next on Netflix Animation: From Twilight of the Gods to Wallace & Gromit," featuring industry luminaries such as Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Zack Snyder, and Deborah Snyder. This event promises exclusive...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) raised concerns about Grindr's data retention practices, prompting calls for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In October last year, EPIC highlighted that Grindr was keeping user data even after accounts were deleted, contrary to the app's privacy policy.The accusations against Grindr are significant, particularly in light of the sensitive nature of the data involved. EPIC's concerns revolve around the potential sharing of users' HIV status without their consent, a serious violation of privacy rights....
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
The Puerto Rico Office of Management and Budget has been selected to receive $156.1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Solar for All grant program. This funding will be utilized to develop sustainable solar programs benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities in Puerto Rico. According to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, this investment aligns with President Biden's commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to clean energy.The EPA estimates that the Solar for All program will enable over 900,000...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
A New Jersey man has been charged with a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and destroying property."Jacob Beacher, 24, of Somerset County, was arrested this morning and charged by complaint with one count of intentional or attempted obstruction of religious practice and one count of making false statements to federal authorities." According to the criminal complaint, on April 10, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, Beacher broke into the CILRU around 2:41 a.m., where he damaged the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
BOSTON (April 22, 2024) - The Biden-Harris Administration, in celebration of Earth Day, has announced that the Executive Office of the State of New Hampshire will receive over $43.5 million to deliver residential solar programs aimed at lowering energy costs and advancing environmental initiatives.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan expressed, "Today we're delivering on President Biden's promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities."The funding is part of...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
Generative AI technologies are raising concerns regarding compliance with federal records laws, particularly the Freedom of Information Act. Enid Zhou, senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, highlighted the potential challenges associated with generative AI and its implications on government record-keeping.Zhou emphasized the ambiguity surrounding agency and user-generated content in relation to generative AI systems. She expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in determining whether inputs, user prompts, or outputs produced by AI systems...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
LENEXA, KAN. (APRIL 22, 2024) – The Biden-Harris administration has announced that the Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska will receive $62.4 million to deliver residential solar, lowering energy costs and advancing environmental justice across the state.The grant is part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, "Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
WASHINGTON D.C. - In response to the misuse of commercial spyware targeting journalists, academics, human rights defenders, dissidents, and government personnel, the United States government has announced the imposition of visa restrictions on 13 individuals involved in the development and sale of such technology. According to a statement released by the Department of State, these individuals have directly benefited financially from the misuse of commercial spyware.The visa restrictions are part of a broader initiative by the U.S. government to address the proliferation...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has emphasized the crucial role of trade in enhancing supply chain resilience. In response to a proceeding by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), CCIA submitted comments underscoring the significance of trade policies in strengthening supply chains.CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale, expressed concerns regarding the potential misrepresentation of the impact of trade on supply chain resilience and broader economic issues. McHale stated, "USTR’s Federal Register Notice...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
Slovenia has officially become the 39th signatory to the Artemis Accords, a significant milestone in the realm of space exploration. The signing took place on April 19 in Ljubljana as part of the U.S.-Slovenia Strategic Dialogue. The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries, aim to provide a practical set of principles to guide space exploration.State Secretary Matevž Frangež of the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism, and Sport represented Slovenia by signing the Accords, with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that four Arizona contractors have been ordered to pay over $3.2 million in owed wages and damages to a total of 890 workers after investigations revealed violations of labor laws. The contractors involved in the case are 4-E Painting LLC, Liberty Constructors LLC, BCK Coatings Inc., and Geronimo Wall Systems LLC.According to the department's Wage and Hour Division, the contractors willfully and recklessly shortchanged the affected workers and violated overtime and minimum wage provisions. Eric Murray, the Wage and Hour Division...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 2024) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has filed an amicus brief challenging the Federal Trade Commission’s authority in the case of Intuit, Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The brief questions the FTC’s adjudicative process and its compliance with the Constitution. NFIB submitted the brief in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Beth Milito, Executive Director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, expressed concerns about the FTC’s actions, stating, "The...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
Commerce employees are celebrating Earth Day with enthusiasm and dedication to environmental causes. The Office of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Programs (OSEEP) expressed its joy on this special day, stating, "Happy Earth Day from the Office of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Programs (OSEEP)!"In a show of commitment to sustainability, many employees have been actively engaging in outdoor activities and taking steps to reduce plastic waste. OSEEP remarked, "It's inspiring to see so many Commerce employees embracing the great outdoors and making efforts to...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
In a bid to celebrate Earth Week, Netflix has highlighted its commitment to sustainability through its 200+ Sustainability Stories. According to Netflix, they are "doing our part to make the industry more sustainable by meeting our science-based climate ambitions." One of the featured shows on Netflix with sustainability-related storylines is "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget," where Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Staunton, and more voice characters. The film has inspired individuals like Ramsey and creators Kids Clean Eats and Jen Hamilton to share...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 22, 2024
BOSTON (April 22, 2024) - The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that The Maine Governor's Energy Office will receive over $62 million to deliver residential solar, lower energy costs, and advance environmental justice across Maine. This funding is part of the Solar for All grant competition under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, created to address climate change and support communities in need.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan expressed the administration's commitment by stating, "Today we're delivering on President Biden's promise that no community is left...
