News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis announced today that over $520 million from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda will be allocated to revitalize aging water delivery systems across the West. This funding is set to support 57 projects spanning all six regions served by the Bureau of Reclamation, with the aim of improving water conveyance and storage, increasing safety, enhancing hydropower generation, and providing water treatment.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The United States has extended its warm congratulations to the Council of Europe on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. The Council of Europe continues to be a guiding light for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, with its influence growing each year.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The prolonged debate over the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA 702) ended in April with an extension of warrantless surveillance authority, but without substantial reforms to safeguard civil liberties. The new law, known as the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, H.R. 7888, or RISAA, was touted by supporters as containing significant reforms. However, critics argue that it largely maintains a problematic status quo and even expands surveillance in concerning ways.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 5, 2024, Pastor Zhou Songlin of Ganquan Church in Hefei, Anhui Province, responded from prison to the recent divisions among church co-workers over his wife and Elder Ding Zhongfu’s wife hiring defense lawyers for them. He stated that the persecution he and Elder Ding Zhongfu are facing is actually political persecution. They did not actively participate in politics but were forced into it, only to realize the church is not in a political vacuum.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Four individuals were brought before the U.S. District Court in Seattle this week to face charges related to drug trafficking. Their apprehension was the result of a comprehensive investigation conducted by multiple agencies, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The operation also led to the confiscation of over 60,000 fentanyl pills and a substantial amount of fentanyl powder.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The tradition of posing important or intriguing questions is deeply ingrained in the scientific community. Renowned mathematician Paul Erdős, for instance, is well-known for presenting his queries to students and colleagues, some of which remain unresolved. The Clay Mathematics Institute also maintains a list of seven Millennium Problems, six of which are yet to be solved. Among these is the P = NP problem, a crucial question in computational complexity theory and evidently a favorite of the Office of Technology.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 15, Elizabeth Richard, the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, took part in a meeting in The Hague focused on countering Hamas. This meeting was a follow-up to the December 13, 2023 engagement held in Paris with partner governments. The objective of these meetings is to coordinate international efforts aimed at dismantling Hamas' financial networks and targeting their online propaganda.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The Supreme Court issued a decision today in the case of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services, affirming that the CFPB's ongoing financial independence from Congress under Dodd-Frank is constitutionally permissible under the Appropriations Clause.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
On May 16, 2024, Adrianne Todman, the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), teamed up with Vice President Kamala Harris during her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour in Milwaukee, WI. The duo announced HUD's new $40 million funding initiative to broaden housing counseling for underserved communities and mitigate the racial homeownership gap.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan announced today that an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to start at 1 pm ET and will begin with a session for members of the public to address the Commission.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
A report from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) entitled “Navigating Demographic Measurement for Fairness and Equity” explores the increasing expectations on AI system developers and users to proactively identify and address potential bias or discrimination. The report emphasizes the importance of demographic data in measuring fairness and bias within these systems, offering methodologies, guidance, and case studies for those undertaking fairness and equity assessments.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland have announced a new Recent Arrivals (RA) Docket process to expedite the resolution of immigration cases for certain noncitizen single adults who attempt irregular crossings between ports of entry at the Southwest border. The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice aim to swiftly impose consequences, including removal, on those without a legal basis to remain in the United States and grant immigration relief or protections more promptly to noncitizens with valid claims.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Cape Cod Hospital, located in Hyannis, Massachusetts, has agreed to a $24.3 million settlement to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act. The hospital was accused of knowingly submitting claims to Medicare for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures that did not comply with Medicare's specific rules for patient evaluation.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
A recent study suggests that distractions during meal times could lead to overconsumption of everyday pleasures, possibly due to a decrease in enjoyment. The research, published by the American Psychological Association, focused on "hedonic consumption," which refers to purchasing and using products or experiences for pleasure rather than necessity.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
STRESA – Yesterday, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen met with European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni on the sidelines of the G7 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor Meetings in Stresa, Italy. During their meeting, Secretary Yellen commended the European Union’s economic growth in the first quarter, alongside falling inflation and continued strength in the labor market.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Under Secretary for Domestic Finance Nellie Liang addressed the Central Bank of Ireland Conference on Macroprudential Policy for Investment Funds, discussing the increasing significance of non-bank financial intermediaries and their potential systemic risks.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance workers' day-to-day operations is significant, but it also carries risks. A recent report from the Center for American Progress delves into how collective bargaining can be a potent tool in helping workers negotiate contract provisions that protect them from job elimination, set boundaries on surveillance and algorithmic management, and create opportunities for workers to reap the benefits of productivity boosts offered by AI tools.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
The Department of Labor announced today the release of a comprehensive set of principles aimed at guiding employers and developers in the creation and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). These principles are designed to enhance job quality and protect workers' rights. The initiative was developed in response to President Biden's Executive Order on the Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. It underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring AI technologies bolster worker empowerment and well-being while mitigating risks to...
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
KYIV – Deputy Secretary Adeyemo met today with faculty and students from the Kyiv School of Economics, along with select non-governmental organizations. The group engaged in a discussion focused on supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery. Key topics included unlocking the value of immobilized Russian sovereign assets, Russia’s transition to a wartime economy, and measures to restrict Russia's revenue and disrupt its procurement of priority goods.
By Federal Newswire | May 16, 2024
Ahead of the upcoming meeting of EU Telecommunications Ministers, a coalition of consumer groups, digital rights NGOs, and industry stakeholders has expressed serious concerns about the future EU regulatory framework for telecoms. The group argues that the European Commission's latest proposals risk undermining both the open internet and a competitive EU telecoms market.
