News from June 2024

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
The United States has expressed significant concern regarding the Hungarian government’s implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act.” The recently established “Sovereignty Protection Office” has taken actions that target civil society and independent media organizations.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
On June 27, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in Idaho v. United States that dismissed the case on procedural grounds and explicitly stated that the merits of the case would not be addressed. The court reinstated the preliminary injunction from the U.S. District Court of Idaho (Southern Division), pausing criminal and civil penalties under Idaho’s near-total abortion ban for the duration of the case.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands conducted a legislative hearing on six bills addressing significant land issues in local communities. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) provided a statement regarding the session: "Local land managers are the best stewards of the land, and the Subcommittee on Federal Lands has worked tirelessly to ensure the perspectives of rural communities are included in both the decision-making process and the subsequent management of our federal lands. Today’s bills continue ensuring local communities are not sidelined by the federal...

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
In response to the oral arguments in the appeal of Hachette v. Internet Archive, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent think tank for science and technology policy, released a statement from Vice President Daniel Castro.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk-geun convened the second United States-Korea Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue (SCCD) Ministerial Meeting on June 27, 2024. The meeting reviewed progress in deepening bilateral economic and commercial cooperation.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau have released new residential sales statistics for May 2024.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $195,960 in back wages and damages for 22 home care workers employed by JG Adult Family Home LLC in Auburn, Washington. The recovery follows an investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division, which found that the employer did not pay caregivers overtime rates for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Instead, employees were paid a daily rate regardless of hours worked. Additionally, some employees were denied the required federal minimum wage.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag met in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 2024, to discuss ongoing humanitarian challenges in Gaza.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
On June 27, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan addressed EPA staff at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., highlighting significant progress under President Biden's administration. The event convened all EPA staff across headquarters and its ten regional offices.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) examines how rural communities with strong economic ties to the coal industry can manage the transition away from fossil fuels toward a diversified economy and resilient local budgets. The report, informed by interviews with local and federal officials, finds that while coordination with federal agencies is effective, these partnerships face challenges due to a complex and siloed federal assistance system. There is currently no unified rural policy or approach for this type of transition assistance.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) has provided an update on its handling of misconduct allegations and the policy measures it has taken to ensure a safe and welcoming workplace for all. The UHRP reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior or harassment and commits to high ethical standards for both leadership and staff. The organization remains steadfast in its dedication to providing a positive environment for women and activists involved in the Uyghur human rights movement.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
OVW conducted a live web-based pre-application information session for its Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program solicitation. During the presentation, OVW staff reviewed the program’s requirements, discussed the solicitation, and allowed for a brief question-and-answer period.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha. They discussed a range of issues to expand U.S.-Saudi bilateral economic relations, including partnerships in science and technology.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
The Justice Department announced the 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action, resulting in criminal charges against 193 defendants, including 76 medical professionals across 32 federal districts in the United States. The alleged schemes involved approximately $2.75 billion in intended losses and $1.6 billion in actual losses.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña today on the margins of the Organization of the American States (OAS) General Assembly.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Earlier today, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss this year’s Article IV consultation with the United States. Secretary Yellen reiterated the importance of frank and thorough assessments of all IMF member economies through the annual surveillance process.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
The Consumer Technology Association® (CTA), the owner and producer of CES®, unveiled the results of a new artificial intelligence (AI) study at the CTA CEO Summit in Stockholm. The study, focusing on Swedish consumer sentiment, examines how this rapidly evolving technology will impact their lives. According to the CES Tech Trends: Swedish Consumer Sentiment on AI survey, 52% of Swedes currently use at least one AI tool at work, with nearly a third using ChatGPT for professional purposes. Younger generations show even greater anticipation for future AI usage, with 77% of Gen Z...

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today issued Secretary’s Order 3413, which transfers the Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Policy, Management and Budget, effective July 15, 2024. This order follows feedback through nation-to-nation consultation and the enactment of the Department of the Interior’s 2024 appropriations in which Congress directed a transfer of the Department’s Office of Subsistence Management from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Office of the Secretary.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks at the meeting of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) on June 27, 2024. In his speech, Mizer expressed gratitude to Amy for her leadership of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) over the past three years and acknowledged Liz Ryan and her team in OJJDP for their continued efforts in building safer communities and expanding opportunities for youth.

By Federal Newswire | Jun 27, 2024
A former Department of Defense civilian employee was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for assaulting a U.S. military member in July 2020.