News from April 2024
Netflix Reveals First Look Images and Teaser from 'Senna', Inspired By the Life of Famed F1 Driver
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Netflix has released a teaser video for the upcoming limited series "Senna," which is set to premiere in late 2024. The series will delve into the life of legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, showcasing his triumphs, disappointments, and personal relationships. The teaser includes a recreation of Senna's historic victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, narrated by Galvão Bueno."This is a story that goes beyond statistics and records. Ayrton Senna was responsible for some of the most magical moments in world motorsports," said the announcement.The series will...
Secretary Blinken Expresses Support for UN Coordinator’s Efforts in Gaza
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently met with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, in Amman, Jordan. During the meeting, discussions centered on ongoing efforts to provide critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza, with a focus on accelerating and sustaining recent increases in delivery. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken and Coordinator Kaag discussed ongoing efforts and a shared commitment to surge critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza and ensure the recent increase in delivery of assistance is...
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Ban on Most Uses of Methylene Chloride, Protecting Workers and Communities from Fatal Exposure
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a crucial step to protect workers and communities from the dangers of methylene chloride by finalizing a ban on most uses of the chemical. The decision, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on April 30, 2024, comes after years of advocacy and tragic incidents involving methylene chloride exposure.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of the ban, stating, “Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go...
Going Global: Joko Anwar and Yeon Sang-ho Discuss the Appeal of Asian Stories
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
In a Director’s Talk hosted by Netflix, Indonesian director Joko Anwar and Korean director Yeon Sang-ho, known for their work in the supernatural genre, recently engaged in a conversation about their latest projects. Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams and Parasyte: The Grey were the focal points of their discussion, highlighting the appeal of Asian storytelling on a global scale.Yeon Sang-ho commended Joko Anwar's series, expressing his admiration for its unique structure. He remarked, "I was fascinated by how each episode builds anticipation for the next. It was a...
Department of Labor's Impact Inspections Uncover Serious Violations at Mines Across 11 States
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently completed impact inspections at 14 mines in 11 states, revealing numerous violations and safety concerns. According to Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson, the inspections uncovered serious violations that put miners at risk of fire and explosion hazards and impeded their ability to escape emergency situations.One of the mines inspected was the Crimson Oak Grove Mine in Alabama, which had experienced a high citation rate and multiple hazard complaints. The...
HHS Issues Final Rule to Prevent Discrimination in Health and Human Services Grant Programs
By Federal Newswire | Apr 30, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR), issued a final rule to affirm nondiscrimination in HHS-funded programs and services. The Health and Human Services Grants Regulation (HHS Grants Rule) Final Rule was announced to protect LGBTQI+ individuals by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, in specific health and human services programs. This move is in line with the Supreme Court decision in...
Justice Department supports promoting more competition in the incarcerated people’s communications services market
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The incarcerated people’s communications services (IPCS) market is currently under the control of a small group of companies. The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division has submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), advocating for new rules that would introduce more competition into this market.
President of National Mining Association: Ruling "flies in the face of the government’s legal obligation to manage public lands for multiple uses’
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Rich Nolan, the President and CEO of the National Mining Association (NMA), has expressed disagreement with the recent ruling by the Biden administration’s Public Lands Rule for the Bureau of Land Management. This rule aims to put conservation on an equal footing with other uses for public lands. Nolan voiced his dissent in a press release issued on April 22.
Razer, Inc. to Pay More Than $1.1 Million for Misrepresenting the Performance and Efficacy of Supposed “N95-Grade” Zephyr Face Masks
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission announced today that Razer, Inc., the sellers of the Zephyr face mask, will pay over $1.1 million to provide full refunds to consumers nationwide and a civil penalty for misrepresenting the performance and efficacy of the supposed "N95-grade" masks. The complaint alleged that Razer falsely marketed the Zephyr masks as N95-grade without submitting them for testing to the FDA or NIOSH, leading to the deceptive claims being halted only after negative press coverage and consumer outrage."These businesses falsely claimed, in the midst of a global...
Under Secretary Brian Nelson Addresses ACI’s Annual Flagship Conference on Economic Sanctions Enforcement and Compliance
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Under Secretary Brian Nelson addressed attendees at ACI’s Annual Flagship Conference on Economic Sanctions Enforcement and Compliance, expressing gratitude for the invitation and highlighting the importance of the practitioners' work in advising on sensitive sanctions matters. Nelson acknowledged the Treasury's efforts to enhance the rigor and effectiveness of sanctions enforcement and compliance. He emphasized the need for a modernized approach to sanctions in response to evolving global challenges.Nelson praised the successful multilateral partnerships in response to...
Blockchain Association Submits Comment on Commerce Proposed Rule for IaaS Providers
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
On April 29, 2024, the Blockchain Association made a significant move by submitting a comment to the Department of Commerce's proposed rule regarding measures to tackle malicious cyber-enabled activities. In the comment letter, the Blockchain Association highlighted the critical importance of addressing these activities that threaten national security.In their statement, the Blockchain Association emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, "Malicious cyber-enabled activities pose a genuine threat to national security, and BA stands as a resource for regulators seeking...
Two Former Missouri Health Care Charity Executives Sentenced for Roles in Multimillion-Dollar Bribery and Embezzlement Scheme
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Two former executives of a Springfield, Missouri-based charity were sentenced for their roles in a multimillion-dollar public corruption scheme that involved embezzlement and bribes paid to multiple elected public officials in the State of Arkansas."Bontiea and Tom Goss were the former chief operating officer and chief financial officer, respectively, at Preferred Family Healthcare Inc.," the court documents stated.Bontiea Bernedette Goss, 65, was sentenced to three years in prison, and her husband, Tommy “Tom” Ray Goss, 68, was sentenced to six years in prison. They...
Axel Springer and Microsoft Announce Expanded Partnership Across Advertising, AI, Content, and Azure Services
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Axel Springer SE and Microsoft Corp. have come together in an expanded partnership that encompasses advertising, AI, content, and cloud computing. This collaboration is set to bring cutting-edge innovation to the world of independent journalism. Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, emphasized the importance of partnerships in the age of AI, stating, “In this new era of AI, partnerships are critical to preserving and promoting independent journalism while ensuring a thriving media landscape.”Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, highlighted the transformative...
State of Washington, federal agencies agree on future of tank waste cleanup at Hanford Site
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
State of Washington, federal agencies agree on future of tank waste cleanup at Hanford Site Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a significant agreement regarding the cleanup of radioactive and chemical waste at the Hanford Site. The proposed amendments to cleanup agreements will be open for a 60-day public comment period starting on May 30."We have alignment on a plan that lays out a realistic and achievable path forward for Hanford’s tank waste...
Report Highlights Importance of Responsible AI Use in Federal Government Procurement
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The CDT report released on April 29, 2024, titled “The Federal Government’s Power of the Purse: Enacting Procurement Policies and Practices to Support Responsible AI Use,” sheds light on the increasing government spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and the necessity for responsible AI use in federal procurement processes.According to the report, government spending on AI has surged in recent years, with over $2 billion in contracts awarded to private companies in fiscal year 2022 alone. This rise in spending has prompted crucial questions about the integration of...
EPA Issues Consent Order to MAX Environmental Technologies for Compliance at Yukon, PA Facility
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
PHILADELPHIA (April 29, 2024) - Max Environmental Technologies, Inc. (MAX) has agreed to several actions to ensure compliance with federal and state hazardous waste safeguards at the company’s waste facility in Yukon, PA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. MAX owns and operates a 160-acre facility, surrounded by agricultural and residential properties, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA in Westmoreland County. According to EPA, this site is an area with potential environmental justice concerns.EPA officials inspected the facility in...
AIA Urges Congress to Plus Up Funding for NASA in FY25
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has called on Congress to increase funding for NASA in the fiscal year 2025 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill. In a statement released today, AIA's Vice President of Space Systems, Mike French, emphasized the importance of investing in NASA and NOAA's aerospace programs for the future of space exploration and aviation.French stated, “As the country explores new frontiers in space and aviation, from next generation airplanes to weather forecasting to missions to the moon and beyond, robust investment in NASA and NOAA’s...
U.S. Department of the Treasury and White House Host Convening to Improve Access to Affordable Child Care
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
WASHINGTON – In a recent development, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the White House came together to facilitate a discussion aimed at enhancing access to affordable, high-quality child care. The focus of the convening was on fostering collaboration between small childcare businesses, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and key stakeholders.The event witnessed the participation of various notable figures, including Director of the Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein and Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden. Deputy Assistant Secretary for...
United States and Côte d’Ivoire Sign MOU to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Today, U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba and Ivoirian Minister for Foreign Affairs Léon Kacou Adom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire on countering foreign state information manipulation."Foreign state information manipulation, which includes disinformation and propaganda, is a transnational security threat that can create or exploit divisions within and among countries, imperil election integrity, and undermine public trust in government," emphasized in the agreement."This MOU...
Economy Statement Points to Strong Growth and Inflation Concerns
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The latest economic statement by Eric Van Nostrand, performing duties of Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy for the Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee, highlights the current state of the U.S. economy as of April 29, 2024.Van Nostrand noted that despite a slowdown in real GDP growth to 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2024, the underlying demand from households and businesses remained strong. He emphasized that personal consumption and business fixed investment played crucial roles in supporting GDP growth, with residential investment showing significant...
