News from July 2024
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) called on Congress today to support policies that will allow home builders to construct more homes and apartments to help ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis and provide better, more affordable housing opportunities for all American households.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released its annual list of the Top 100 Retailers for 2024, compiled by Kantar, a global marketing data and consultancy firm. The list ranks the largest companies in the retail industry based on domestic sales.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and two international consumer protection networks have announced the results of a review of selected websites and apps, revealing that a significant percentage may use dark patterns. These digital design techniques can manipulate consumers into purchasing products or services or compromising their privacy.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my sincere congratulations to the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on 51 years of independence.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the first award for the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) today. This initiative aims to expand the domestic supply of ingredients and materials for U.S. national supply chains and bolster the bioindustrial manufacturing base, as outlined in President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, "Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy."
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury hosted a roundtable discussion with representatives from the financial services sector and consumer groups to discuss the title insurance industry and analyze potential reforms as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to lower costs for homebuyers.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has proposed new policies in the calendar year 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) to advance health equity and support whole-person care. The proposal aims to strengthen primary care, expand access to behavioral and oral health services, maintain telehealth flexibilities, and improve preventive care for conditions such as colorectal cancer and hepatitis B.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party's Critical Minerals Policy Working Group convened its second meeting this afternoon in Washington, D.C. The session was led by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL). The focus of the discussion centered on the United States' significant dependence on Chinese imports of critical minerals, strategies for collaborating with allies to establish alternative sources, and policy measures to encourage this transition.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen met with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz today on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington, DC. Secretary Yellen reaffirmed the Treasury’s strong commitment to Israel’s security.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $172,392 for 21 workers following an investigation into wage practices at Chicanos Cocina Bar and Grill in Richmond, Virginia. The department's Wage and Hour Division found that the restaurant, operated by Chicanos Inc., failed to pay non-exempt kitchen salaried employees an overtime premium for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Additionally, tipped employees were not compensated at the correct overtime premium rate.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy convened before their meeting on July 10, 2024, in Washington at the NATO summit.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The Justice Department announced today that Rite Aid Corporation and its subsidiaries, Elixir Insurance Company, RX Options LLC, and RX Solutions LLC, have agreed to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act (FCA) by inaccurately reporting drug rebates to the Medicare Program. As part of the settlement, Elixir Insurance and Rite Aid will pay the United States $101 million, while RX Options and RX Solutions will grant an allowed, unsubordinated general unsecured claim for $20 million in Rite Aid’s bankruptcy case pending in the District of New Jersey. The...
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the completion of a four-year, $186 million sediment cleanup and habitat restoration project at Spirit Lake near Duluth, Minnesota. The EPA contributed $92 million to the project, with funding provided through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in partnership with U.S. Steel.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met on July 10, 2024, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by their respective nations and reaffirm their strong partnership.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The United States has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent decision by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in South Sudan to pass legislation that would enhance the National Security Service’s authority to conduct arrests and detentions without warrants. The enactment of this law is viewed as a potential threat to political and civic freedoms in South Sudan.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $8.75 million in grant awards to 15 small shipyards in 12 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds aim to help shipyards modernize, increase productivity, and expand local job opportunities while competing in the global marketplace.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 10, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a $100 million investment in grants to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in implementing SUN Bucks, a new permanent program aimed at assisting families in purchasing groceries for their children during the summer months. SUN Bucks, also referred to as Summer EBT, is part of USDA’s broader Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids (SUN Programs), which seek to reduce costs for families and enhance food and nutrition security when school meals are unavailable.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 9, 2024
Jesus Ernesto Dessens-Romero, 28, was sentenced to 120 months after being found guilty of multiple offenses, including conspiracy to transport and transportation of illegal aliens for profit and bringing in illegal aliens to the United States for profit. The sentence was announced on July 2 in a news release from the US Department of Justice.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 9, 2024
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a new collective bargaining agreement with its largest union, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Council 238. The agreement, unanimously ratified by the union in May and implemented on June 14, 2024, includes several historic firsts for both EPA and AFGE. Among these are articles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), as well as Scientific Integrity.
