News from March 2024
U.S. Bureau of Land Management announces third year of wild horse and burro overpopulation declining
By Federal Newswire | Mar 30, 2024
This week, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) unveiled a report focusing on the overpopulation estimates of wild horses and burros on public lands. The document indicates that the overpopulation issue has seen a decline since 2020.
Oklahoma medical facility fined by HHS for violating HIPAA privacy rule
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
An Oklahoma-based multi-facility nursing care organization has settled a case with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The case revolved around ensuring patients' access to health records, as stipulated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Right of Access provision.
DOJ responds to termination of Fresh Express and Dole acquisition deal
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that Fresh Express LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chiquita Holdings Limited, has terminated its proposed acquisition of Dole plc’s Fresh Vegetables division. The decision to abandon the $308 million deal was made after the DOJ expressed concerns about competition in the packaged salad market.
Economic Policy Institute report asserts imbalance of power in employment is not a result of AI
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
A recent report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) suggests that the primary threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI) may not be to employment and wages directly. Instead, it indicates that the real danger could stem from an extreme imbalance of power between employers and typical workers, a situation which has already contributed to increased inequality and sluggish wage growth.
The Economic Ripple Effect: George Calhoun Analyzes COVID's Impact on China & the World
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
Dr. George Calhoun is a Professor and Director at the Hamlin Financial Systems Center at Stevens Institute of Technology. He was Chairman of a company's engineering joint venture with Rafael Armament Development Authority, a branch of the Israeli government.
CDT Joins EPIC in Opposing New York Senate’s Budget Bill
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) have jointly expressed their opposition to the New York Senate’s budget bill, particularly concerning the inclusion of the New York Privacy Act. In a letter, the CDT and EPIC highlighted that the act does not go far enough in safeguarding the privacy of New Yorkers."We hope they remove it from the budget bill and continue improving it," stated the CDT and EPIC in their letter.The organizations are advocating for stronger measures to be put in place to ensure the protection...
Mortgage Bankers Association's index shows homebuyer affordability decreased in February
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
The Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Purchase Applications Payment Index (PAPI) data for February indicates a rise in the monthly cost of home ownership. The national median payment applied for by purchase applicants escalated from $2,134 in January to $2,184 in February.
ITI Reacts to 2024 National Trade Estimate Report
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
ITI, the global tech trade association, has responded to the 2024 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers with a statement from its President and CEO, Jason Oxman. In the statement, Oxman expressed concerns about the barriers hindering digital trade and e-commerce, which are impeding U.S. exports globally.According to Oxman, the NTE Report highlights some digital trade barriers but falls short in addressing broader concerns. He emphasized the need for the USTR and the Biden Administration to advocate more vigorously for U.S. companies by addressing...
CCIA Raises Concerns Over USTR’s NTE Report on Digital Trade Barriers
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has expressed concerns over the U.S. Trade Representative's National Trade Estimates (NTE) report for omitting many digital trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports. CCIA President & CEO Matt Schruers criticized the report, stating, "USTR seems to be doubling down on its new stance to abandon U.S. trade interests, abdicating the role Congress assigned it." Schruers emphasized the importance of addressing digital trade barriers, highlighting the significant role of the tech sector in U.S. exports.CCIA Vice President...
American Bankers Association forecast reveals lower risk of recession with inflation moderating
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
The Economic Advisory Committee of the American Bankers Association (ABA) this week released a forecast indicating a decreased risk of recession, with inflation expected to moderate and employment gains to remain strong. The committee also predicts a transition to a soft easing cycle by the Federal Reserve, commencing around mid-year.
Claire Danes To Star In And Executive Produce Netflix Limited Series 'The Beast In Me'
By Federal Newswire | Mar 29, 2024
Netflix has unveiled a new limited series titled "The Beast in Me," a mystery thriller produced by a stellar team and featuring renowned actress Claire Danes in a leading role. The show, created by Gabe Rotter and helmed by Howard Gordon, promises to deliver suspense and intrigue to viewers.Danes, known for her roles in "Fleishman Is in Trouble" and "Homeland," will not only star in the series but also serve as an executive producer. The storyline revolves around acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs, played by Danes, who embarks on a quest for truth after an unexpected turn of...
80 health organizations urge Congress to keep nutrition and conservation at the core of farm policy
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health has declared that 80 health organizations have penned a letter to Congress, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and conservation in farm policy. The letter also outlines opportunities for lawmakers to enhance health equity and address the climate crisis.
Environmental groups issue joint response to BLM's methane waste final rule
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The Wilderness Society, in collaboration with four other environmental organizations, issued a joint statement this week in response to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) final rule on methane waste. This newly released regulation is the first significant update to rules that have been in place for decades.
Michigan becomes first state to make it easier for kin to become licenses caregivers
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Michigan has become the first state to implement separate licensing standards for kin caregivers, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. This approval follows a similar move by the Salt River Pima Tribe in Arizona.
Consumers file lawsuits against Apple, alleging anticompetitive practices
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Apple Inc. is facing multiple lawsuits from consumers across various states, coinciding with a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accusing the tech giant of monopolizing or attempting to monopolize smartphone markets.
House Judiciary Chairman Jordan sends letters to five CEOs as part of committee’s oversight of antitrust laws
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has dispatched letters to the chief executives of five corporations, all of which are members of the Global Alliance for Responsible Media's (GARM) Steer Team. The letters request documents and communications as part of the committee’s oversight of antitrust laws. The corporations in question include Diageo, GroupM, Mars Incorporated, The Procter & Gamble Company, and Unilever.
CES Audit Confirms Decision Makers Flocked to 2024 Show
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® released the final attendance data for CES® 2024, reporting a significant increase in senior-level executives attending the event. According to Gary Shapiro, CEO of CTA, "Our annual show audit proves CES is where business gets done," highlighting the importance of face-to-face meetings for decision-makers.The event, which took place in Las Vegas, attracted 138,739 participants from around the world, showcasing groundbreaking technologies across various categories. A record number of 1442 companies exhibited on the startup floor,...
AMA applauds administration’s actions to increase access to coverage
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The American Medical Association (AMA) has expressed its appreciation for the recent actions taken by the Biden administration to improve access to healthcare coverage. In a statement, the AMA commended the administration for its efforts to protect consumers from low-quality health coverage and crack down on misleading insurance practices.One key aspect of the administration's actions is the implementation of a new rule aimed at ensuring that health insurance companies clearly communicate the benefits and limitations of their policies. According to the AMA, this rule will...
Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Address Hotel Room Algorithmic Price-Fixing
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The Justice Department joined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a statement of interest in a case concerning hotel room algorithmic price-fixing. The case, Cornish-Adebiyi v. Caesars Entertainment, brings to light the issue of collusion in pricing through the use of algorithms.According to the statement, competitors in the hotel industry cannot collude on room pricing, whether through direct communication or by utilizing algorithms that facilitate anti-competitive practices. The Agencies emphasize that the use of algorithms that recommend prices to multiple...
Get Cozy With ‘Palia’ on GeForce NOW
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
NVIDIA GeForce NOW has introduced a new addition to its gaming library, 'Palia,' offering players a warm and cozy virtual experience in the cloud. The game, developed by Singularity 6 Corporation, has quickly gained popularity, with over 200,000 wishlists on Steam. Players can immerse themselves in a world where they can farm, fish, craft, and explore different biomes while interacting with a vibrant online community.According to NVIDIA GeForce NOW, 'Palia' is one of six new titles being added to the platform, which already boasts over 1,800 games. In addition to 'Palia,'...
