News published on Federal Newswire in June 2024

News from June 2024


Apple Vision Pro arrives in multiple Asian markets

Today, Apple Vision Pro arrived in Apple Store locations across mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Vision Pro blends digital content with the physical world to deliver spatial experiences that transform how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, enjoy entertainment, and more.


FTC announces final updates to Eyeglass Rule promoting competition

Concluding a comprehensive multi-year review, the Federal Trade Commission today announced final updates to its Ophthalmic Practice Rules, known as the Eyeglass Rule, aimed at promoting competition and consumer choice.


Netflix expands Albuquerque studios with sustainable features

In 2018, Netflix's positive experience producing series and films in New Mexico led to the establishment of a new production hub in Albuquerque. This decision marked the company's first purchase of a production studio complex, which included eight sound stages on 28 acres and a rich history of productions, including "The Avengers," "Breaking Bad," and "Sicario."


United States welcomes South Korea as new Minerals Security Partnership chair

The United States congratulates the Republic of Korea (ROK) on assuming the chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) after receiving unanimous support from all MSP partners. The ROK will hold the chair of the MSP for one year starting on July 1. The ROK has demonstrated leadership on critical minerals supply chain issues and has been an engaged and active member of the MSP. The ROK government and its private sector are leading efforts to expand and diversify the supply of critical minerals and the battery supply chain. As the founding chair of the MSP, the United...


Uyghur Human Rights Project announces new steps in handling misconduct allegations

The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) has released additional information regarding its handling of misconduct allegations and outlined steps to ensure a safe and welcoming workplace. The organization reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct or harassment and its commitment to high ethical standards, emphasizing a welcoming environment for women and all activists in the movement for Uyghur human rights.


CCIA responds to consultation on EU Commission white paper on digital infrastructure

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has submitted its response to the public consultation on the European Commission’s white paper, "How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs."


Housing affordability largely ignored in recent presidential debate

Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from Wichita, Kansas, issued a statement following the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Harris expressed concern over the lack of discussion on housing affordability during the debate.


Department of Labor announces $12.7M funding opportunity for employee safety training

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of more than $12.7 million in training grants made by its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to support initiatives designed to create safer workplaces and advance the department’s Good Jobs efforts.


Attorney General Garland responds to Supreme Court order in Moyle v. United States

The Justice Department issued a statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland regarding the Supreme Court's order in Moyle v. United States on June 27, 2024.


AMA reacts to Supreme Court decision on Idaho abortion case

The American Medical Association (AMA) has expressed relief following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to dismiss an Idaho case, effectively reinstating a pause on parts of the state's near-total abortion ban. This move restores access to emergency abortions in Idaho under federal law.


USDA advises on Fourth of July grilling safety measures

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024 – On July Fourth, the aroma of barbecue will fill the air as festivities bring together family and friends to celebrate with quintessential American cooking pastimes: grilling and smoking. Food is a significant staple when it comes to celebrating Independence Day, aside from the fireworks. Whether sizzling burgers on the grill or slow-cooking ribs in the smoker, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service is urging everyone to take food safety precautions during food preparations.


Analysis: Pass-Through Deduction's Impact on Wealth Distribution Since Enactment

The 2017 tax cuts, signed into law by then-President Donald Trump and enacted without Democratic support, made significant reductions to personal, corporate, and estate taxes that predominantly benefited the wealthy. One of the law's provisions allowed owners of pass-through businesses—partnerships, sole proprietorships, and S corporations—to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income (QBI) when calculating their taxes. Initial estimates projected this new deduction would cost $414.5 billion, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that extending it beyond...


Netflix shares progress in ESG initiatives for 2023

With 270 million households now subscribing to Netflix and a total audience of well over half a billion people globally, the company reports steady progress in its mission to entertain the world. "No entertainment company has tried to program for this many tastes, cultures and languages before," states Netflix. The company acknowledges the significant responsibility and emphasizes its commitment to being thoughtful about its impact on the world, particularly within the creative communities it operates.


Keokuk receives nearly $4.5M from EPA for brownfield cleanup

Today, at City Hall in Keokuk, Iowa, EPA Region 7 Brownfields and Land Revitalization Branch Supervisor Stanley Walker presented a $4.48 million ceremonial check to the City of Keokuk as a Brownfields Cleanup Grant selectee.


Report highlights inequities in 2017 tax bill's pass-through deduction

Washington, D.C. — The 2017 tax cuts, signed into law by then-President Donald Trump and enacted without Democratic support, introduced significant reductions in personal, corporate, and estate taxes that predominantly benefited the wealthy. A notable change in the law allowed owners of pass-through businesses—partnerships, sole proprietorships, and S corporations—to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income when calculating their taxes.


Department appoints eight new members to DACOWITS

This week, the Department of Defense announced the appointment of eight new members to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). The committee comprises a maximum of 20 members, including military retirees, veterans, and civilian women and men from academia, industry, public service, and other professions. Selection is based on military experience or experience with women-related workforce issues. Members are selected for four-year terms and perform various duties, including visiting military installations annually, conducting a review and evaluation...


Organizations urge amendments to KOSA to prevent censorship risks

CDT, along with ACLU, Fight for the Future, and the Open Technology Institute, submitted a letter to the House Energy & Commerce Committee today. The organizations urged amendments to the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to address concerns that the bill could lead to censorship of valuable speech and undermine online privacy rights.


Deputy Secretary Campbell discusses key issues with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister

Deputy Secretary Campbell spoke today with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the United States and the PRC and responsibly manage competition in the relationship. They discussed key bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of cooperation and areas of difference.


Christian sentenced in China for organizing illegal gatherings

Chen Wensheng, a Christian from Hengyang, Hunan, has been sentenced to 1 year and 7 months in prison for organizing and funding illegal gatherings. The verdict was announced on June 20, 2024.


Supreme Court's dismissal of Moyle v. United States sparks controversy

WASHINGTON—With its decision to dismiss Moyle v. United States, the Supreme Court today allowed the Biden administration to interpret a federal law on hospital care to mandate that all states provide abortions, including those with laws protecting the unborn.