News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The United States has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Lawrence Wong as he assumes his new role as Singapore's fourth prime minister. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, expressed the country's eagerness to work with Prime Minister Wong in order to further fortify the U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership and uphold international norms and standards in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement on the release of new drug overdose death data. "When President Biden took office in January 2021, the overdose death rate was increasing 31% year-over-year. Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that drug overdose deaths fell 3% over the past year—the first decline in more than five years," he said.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Center for American Progress' (CAP) Reel Progress series has announced its sponsorship of the 2024 DC/DOX Documentary Film Festival. Based in Washington, D.C., DC/DOX is a documentary film festival committed to promoting nonfiction storytelling through moderated discussions with leading subject matter experts and filmmakers.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 14 and 15, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Assistance (INL) as well as the Mexican Attorney General’s office (FGR), conducted the third in a series of workshops with prosecutors from FGR. The workshop was held under the guidance of Licenciado Miguel Angel Méndez Buenos Aires, director of the Specialized Office for International Affairs (FEAIN).
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
An indictment was unsealed recently, charging Anton Peraire-Bueno, 24, of Boston, and James Pepaire-Bueno, 28, of New York with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from an alleged scheme by the defendants to exploit the Ethereum blockchain's integrity to fraudulently obtain approximately $25 million worth of cryptocurrency within approximately 12 seconds. The brothers were arrested in Boston and New York respectively and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson for the District of...
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 15, 2024, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) filed an amicus brief in the case Ryan, LLC. v. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The brief supports a challenge to the FTC’s final rule banning noncompete agreements, arguing that the FTC lacks authority to implement such a ban.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Maxim Healthcare Services, a Maryland-based home healthcare company operating in 35 states. The agreement resolves allegations that Maxim violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) at its Gardena, California office by discriminating against a non-U.S. citizen worker.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 8, 2024, a court affirmed the U.S. Department of Labor's ability to sue two Brooklyn-based staffing agencies that allegedly violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The employers, Advanced Care Staffing LLC and Priority Care Staffing LLC, along with their CEO Sam Klein, were accused of making employees sign contracts that would force them to work for the company for three years or repay rightfully earned wages.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
In response to the Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Policy recently released by Senators Schumer, Heinrich, Rounds, and Young, the Center for Data Innovation has issued a statement. Senior Policy Manager Hodan Omaar conveyed that this roadmap indicates Congress's attention to those who have urged policymakers to ensure that the United States maintains its global leadership in AI.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party recently appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss the Biden Administration's new tariffs on imports from China. Moolenaar also participated in NPR's Morning Edition radio program to further elaborate on the tariffs and the U.S.'s strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Justice Department disclosed that it has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the conditions at eight youth detention centers and one youth development center managed by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on May 15 a final rule aimed at enhancing public understanding and accessibility of annual drinking water quality reports. These reports, which are used by drinking water systems to inform residents about water quality and potential contaminants, will be made more readable and available in multiple languages from 2027. The EPA is also encouraging the use of electronic methods to streamline report delivery.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a fine of $300,000 on Volaris Airlines for violating federal statutes and the Department’s rule prohibiting tarmac delays of four hours or more on international flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. The airline has also been ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are being built, integrated, and deployed by organizations across the globe. The key to ensuring these systems fulfill their potential without causing undue harm lies in recognizing and engaging with the broader contexts in which they operate. Policymakers and public stakeholders increasingly expect a sociotechnical approach to AI system construction and governance that safeguards people's rights and safety.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Chair Lina M. Khan appeared before the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for a budget hearing. The session was held to discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the Federal Trade Commission. The event took place at the Capitol Complex, 2359 RHOB, Washington, DC.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on Wednesday morning, revealing that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.3% in April and 3.4% in the 12 months ending in April. The report also showed that monthly core inflation, excluding food and energy, was at 0.3%, while annual core inflation was at 3.6%.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 15, Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), joined the Access Board in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU also included the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and aims to address equity and accessibility under the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development & Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative ensures that the disability community is engaged around AI developments.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit has been identified as a standout among the nation's federal appeals courts, with its judges issuing broad, politically influenced rulings that promote conservative policy positions. This observation comes from a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress (CAP).
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Sen. Chuck Schumer's Artificial Intelligence Working Group has endorsed a roadmap for AI policy, supporting a proposal that the federal government should allocate $32 billion towards AI. The spending proposal, which was unveiled at a news conference today, encompasses expenditures on private-public partnerships and an emergency call akin to Sputnik for R&D funding across various government agencies including Energy, Commerce, the National Science Foundation and NASA.
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
MEXICO CITY (May 15, 2024) – Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, has announced the selection of eight companies for the second annual REACH Latin America (LATAM) cohort. The selected companies will join a portfolio of more than 250 technology firms across six major markets worldwide.
