News published on Federal Newswire in June 2024

News from June 2024


Department of Labor cites pet product maker after employee suffers severe burns

A federal workplace safety investigation into a global manufacturer and distributor of pet products in Arlington has identified one willful violation and eight serious violations of required safety regulations. The investigation followed an incident in December 2023, where an employee suffered severe facial burns.


EPA fines Massachusetts company for Clean Air Act violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Electronic Products Industries LLC, based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, for alleged violations of the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the process hazard review (PHR) requirement of the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act.


VA allocates over $2.4M in grants to honor veteran stories

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that the National Cemetery Administration has awarded nine grants totaling more than $2.4 million as part of the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP). This initiative honors America’s veterans and service members by uncovering and sharing their stories.


Report details executive authority options for AI regulation

Washington, D.C. — A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) and Governing for Impact (GFI) explores the untapped statutory authority to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) across key federal agencies. The report identifies over 80 ways to leverage existing laws to drive progress in the absence of congressional action.


Far-right groups outline plan targeting reproductive rights

Washington, D.C. — In Project 2025, a document from the Heritage Foundation, far-right groups have outlined a plan to limit the decision-making power of pregnant patients and medical providers in an effort to control reproductive freedom in America.


US and Philippines discuss China's actions in South China Sea

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Call with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Lazaro


EPA settles with Intelligent Design Corp. for lead paint violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $95,000 settlement with Intelligent Design Corp., based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, to resolve alleged violations of federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations.


U.S. Attorney's Office acknowledges World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York acknowledged World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.


U.S designates Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya as global terrorists

The United States remains committed to countering the malign influence of Iran, identified as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and aims to degrade and disrupt the capabilities of Iran-aligned militia groups in conducting attacks against U.S. personnel, facilities, and interests.


U.S. Department resolves nine discrimination complaints against CUNY

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the resolution of nine pending complaints against the City University of New York (CUNY), its Central Office, and several CUNY colleges: Hunter College, CUNY School of Law, Brooklyn College, Queens College, and Baruch College. These resolutions address discrimination concerns from the academic year 2019-2020 onward.


APA supports surgeon general’s warning on social media risks for children

The American Psychological Association (APA) has expressed support for the U.S. Surgeon General's recent call to highlight the potential dangers of social media platforms to children. In a statement, Mitch Prinstein, PhD, Chief Science Officer of the APA, emphasized the alignment between the Surgeon General's concerns and the APA's findings.


NVIDIA announces new microservices for accelerating autonomous machine development

NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA Omniverse Cloud Sensor RTX™, a set of microservices designed to enable physically accurate sensor simulation, aiming to accelerate the development of fully autonomous machines. Sensors, a growing multibillion-dollar industry, are crucial for providing autonomous vehicles, humanoids, industrial manipulators, mobile robots, and smart spaces with the data needed to comprehend the physical world and make informed decisions.


USDA celebrates National Pollinator Week from June 17-23

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2024 – During the week of June 17-23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recognizing and celebrating National Pollinator Week. Pollinator species such as bees, other insects, birds, and bats play a critical role in producing more than 100 crops grown in the United States.


Becerra to highlight reproductive health initiatives on national tour

Starting Tuesday, June 18, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra will travel the country to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect access to reproductive care amid efforts to restrict access to care including abortion care, in vitro fertilization procedures, and contraception. On the tour, Secretary Becerra will join medical professionals, advocates, patients, and elected officials across six states and the District of Columbia.


United States condemns murder of Guatemalan trade union leader Anastacio Tzib Caal

The United States condemns the June 15 murder of the recently elected secretary general of the Guatemalan trade union at the Texpia II garment factory, Anastacio Tzib Caal. "We extend our sympathies to his family, friends, and the Texpia II workers’ union during this difficult time," said Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson.


Climate risks threaten Dominica's economy & ecosystems: report

Washington, D.C. – According to a new CORVI climate rapid risk assessment produced by the Stimson Center, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica is increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events, flooding, and extreme heat. The report noted these adverse weather events negatively impact the island’s economy and the health and safety of its citizens. While financial and other constraints have posed difficulties in addressing these challenges, ongoing efforts to enhance climate resilience remain a priority.


Meta CEO defends social media's impact amid skepticism from Senate Judiciary Committee

Last week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told the Senate Judiciary Committee that there is no link between social media and negative mental health outcomes among young people.


Biden administration takes steps towards regulating artificial intelligence amid legislative delays

In response to the surge of attention, excitement, and fear surrounding AI developments since the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022, governments worldwide have rushed to address the risks and opportunities of AI. In the United States, policymakers have sharply disagreed about the necessity and scope of potential new AI legislation. By contrast, stakeholders ranging from government officials and advocates to academics and companies seem to agree that it is essential for policymakers to utilize existing laws to address the risks and opportunities of AI where...


Justice Department files suit against Adobe over alleged consumer protection violations

The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced a civil enforcement action against Adobe Inc. and two Adobe executives, Maninder Sawhney and David Wadhwani, for alleged violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). The lawsuit alleges that the defendants imposed a hidden “Early Termination Fee” on millions of online subscribers and that Adobe forced subscribers to navigate a complex and challenging cancellation process designed to deter them from canceling subscriptions they no longer wanted.


Health concerns rise for detained Chinese pastor

On June 8, 2024, Yang Aiqing of Guiyang Renai Reformed Church disclosed on her WeChat Moments that her husband, Elder Zhang Chunlei, has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis while in detention. She noted that prior to his imprisonment, he had no history of liver-related illnesses.