News from April 2024
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Los Angeles Times reported on April 29, 2024, that Caitriona Fitzgerald, the deputy director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, expressed her views on the need for a robust privacy law to combat intrusions by Big Tech companies. Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of ensuring that any preemptive legislation is more stringent than current state laws, pointing out that the existing laws may not be sufficient.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement expressing their deep concerns regarding the situation in Burkina Faso. According to reports, Burkinabe military forces have been implicated in the massacre of civilians in late February, with a Human Rights Watch report detailing the execution of over 200 individuals, including 56 children, in the villages of Nondin and Soro in Yatenga province.In light of these atrocities, the joint statement calls on the Transition Authorities in Burkina Faso to conduct a thorough investigation...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new guidelines and reports aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure and weapons of mass destruction from threats related to artificial intelligence (AI). These initiatives come in response to President Biden's Executive Order focusing on the responsible development and use of AI.Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of addressing AI-related threats, stating, "AI can present transformative solutions for U.S. critical infrastructure, and it also carries the risk...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury has disclosed its borrowing estimates for the upcoming quarters of 2024. According to the announcement, for the April – June 2024 quarter, the Treasury plans to borrow $243 billion in privately-held net marketable debt, with an end-of-June cash balance of $750 billion. The borrowing estimate is $41 billion higher than previously anticipated, primarily due to decreased cash receipts, partially offset by a higher beginning of the quarter cash balance.Looking ahead to the July – September 2024 quarter, the Treasury projects a...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim delivered remarks at the Department of Justice on April 29, 2024, marking the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Timber Interdiction Membership Board and Enforcement Resources Working Group.Kim expressed gratitude towards the members of the TIMBER Working Group, non-member interagency partners, NGOs, and his staff from the Environment and Natural Resources Division for their contributions and support. He highlighted the importance of combating timber trafficking and deforestation, emphasizing the significant impact these crimes...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The Justice Department's Antitrust Division has voiced its support for enhanced competition and reduced prices in incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter emphasized the importance of affordable communication, stating, "Telephone services are a lifeline between incarcerated people and the outside world." He commended the FCC for its efforts to make rates fairer and more just over the past decade and encouraged further improvements in this area.In a comment submitted to the FCC, the Justice Department highlighted the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the recovery of $92,562 in back wages and damages from Alumatech Furniture Manufacturing Inc., a Florida outdoor furniture manufacturer located in East Bradenton. The investigation revealed that the company had denied overtime pay to its piece-rate and commission-based workers, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.According to Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicolas Ratmiroff in Tampa, Florida, "The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring workers get every dollar they earned. Employers who choose...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Arlington, Va. (April 29, 2024) – Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning today welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years."With just over a week until the Federal Aviation Administration’s current authorities expire, the Aerospace Industries Association is grateful to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Cruz, and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves and Ranking Member Larsen for...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Riyadh, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussions primarily focused on the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.During the meeting, Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Al Thani for Qatar's central role in these endeavors. Miller stated, "The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for the central role Qatar has undertaken in these...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
People without records are 60 percent more likely to receive a callback interview than are people with records."According to one 2017 study"Half of LGBTQI+ respondents said that they had experienced discrimination or harassment at work in the past year."In a 2022 Center for American Progress survey"LGBTQI+ people are overrepresented in the criminal legal system."Due to a complex system of factors"Ban-the-box policies help limit unnecessary inquiries into a job applicant’s record."Ban-the-box policies mean that applicants can meet with employers before potential...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The 20th annual State Department Model United Nations (UN) conference is set to convene on April 29 at the Department of State, featuring a keynote address from Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen. Over the past two decades, this event has welcomed more than 500 students annually from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, providing them with a platform to engage in representing UN member states and discussing crucial global issues.Reflecting on the significance of the Model UN conference, the organizers emphasized, "We believe the young...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce has unveiled a series of new initiatives in response to President Biden's Executive Order on AI, marking significant progress in AI development and regulation. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the department's commitment to transparency and stakeholder feedback in this endeavor.Under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced four draft publications aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems. Laurie E....
By Federal Newswire | Apr 28, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enacted a final rule that prohibits noncompete clauses nationwide. The FTC maintains that this measure will safeguard workers' ability to switch jobs, stimulate innovation, and foster the creation of new businesses.
By Federal Newswire | Apr 28, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to reaffirm U.S. support for progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan on a durable and dignified peace agreement. This information was shared by Spokesperson Matthew Miller, who also mentioned that Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States' welcoming stance towards Armenia and Azerbaijan's agreement to use the Alma Ata Declaration as a basis for border delimitation. Furthermore, Secretary Blinken noted ongoing U.S. efforts to support Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 28, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. During the call, Secretary Blinken commended President Aliyev for the recent agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan to use the 1991 Alma Ata declaration as the basis for border delimitation, emphasizing its significance in achieving a lasting and respectful peace between the two nations.The Secretary urged President Aliyev to maintain the positive momentum with his Armenian counterpart and reiterated the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 27, 2024
The United States has extended warm wishes to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on its National Day, particularly congratulating His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on his birthday celebration during Koningsdag. In a statement from the Office of the Spokesperson, the U.S. expressed its solidarity with the Dutch nation, highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries.The Office of the Spokesperson remarked, "Ever since Henry Hudson sailed the Dutch East India Company’s Halve Maen into New York Harbor in 1609, our two nations have prospered together through the...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 27, 2024
The United States has expressed deep concern over the recent passage of an amendment to existing legislation in Iraq. Officially named the Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law, the legislation has raised alarm bells regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country."The United States is deeply concerned by the Iraqi Council of Representatives’ passage of an amendment to existing legislation, officially called the Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law," stated a representative of the United States.The US further emphasized the importance of protecting...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 27, 2024
Secretary Antony Blinken is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on April 29-30 to engage with regional partners on various crucial issues. According to the State Department, Blinken's agenda includes discussions on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing humanitarian concerns in the region.During his visit, Blinken will address the situation in Gaza, stating, "He will discuss ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and how it is Hamas that is standing between the Palestinian people and a ceasefire." The Secretary will also stress...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 27, 2024
The Bureau of African Affairs expressed warm wishes to Togo on its 64th National Day, stating, "On behalf of the people of the United States, I offer congratulations to the people of Togo as you celebrate the 64th anniversary of your nation’s independence."Highlighting the strong bond between the two nations, the Office of the Spokesperson emphasized that "The partnership between the United States and Togo remains firmly rooted in the advancement of stability and peace throughout the world."The Secretary of State commended Togo for its efforts, stating, "We appreciate...
By Federal Newswire | Apr 27, 2024
The Secretary of State of the United States extended congratulations to South Africans on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of their country's first democratic elections. Emphasizing the strong bond between the U.S. and South Africa, the Secretary stated, "Freedom Day provides us with an opportunity to underscore the strong U.S.-South Africa relationship built upon our two countries’ mutual commitment to democracy and human rights."Expressing dedication to further collaboration, the Secretary highlighted the United States' commitment to working with South Africa to...
