News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
On May 14, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv, Ukraine. The meeting marked Blinken's fourth visit to the country amidst ongoing conflict.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
The United States has announced the designation of one Russian individual and three Russia-based companies involved in an alleged sanctions evasion scheme. This scheme is reportedly connected to Russian oligarch Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska, who was previously sanctioned by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
New Jersey is currently evaluating a legislative proposal that would require employers, regardless of size, to establish a heat safety plan.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) celebrated its 70th anniversary with the grand opening of a new visitor center at the U.S. Eisenhower Lock in Massena, N.Y., on May 13, 2024. Top officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation were present at the event.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
The Roast of Tom Brady, a live comedy event featuring the renowned sportsman, has topped the English TV List with 13.8 million views. This Netflix is a Joke Fest production first aired on May 5 and has since dominated viewer conversations.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) has released a statement regarding President Biden's directive to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on $18 billion worth of imports from China.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash joined members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Mayor of Stratford, and local community members to highlight significant progress made at the Raymark Industries, Inc. Superfund Site under funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
Global tech trade association ITI has expressed concerns over the Office of the United States Trade Representative's review and expansion of Section 301 tariffs. Jason Oxman, President and CEO of ITI, released a statement criticizing the Biden Administration's approach.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® CEO Gary Shapiro expressed his disappointment following the White House's recent announcement regarding the conclusion of the U.S. Trade Representative's review of the China Section 301 tariffs.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a non-profit online privacy advocacy group, has disputed the breadth of protections offered by Section 230, arguing that tech companies are overstepping its intended scope. Lawyers for EPIC, Megan Iorio and Tom McBrien, stated in a recent blog post that the provision was not designed to be a substitute for online free speech and innovation.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
An administrative law judge has upheld the findings of a U.S. Department of Labor investigation into the labor practices of a concrete subcontractor from Bowie, Maryland, and its owners. The investigation found that the employers had misclassified workers on a federally funded affordable housing project in the District of Columbia, thereby violating federal regulations.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
YAKIMA, Wash., May 14, 2024 – Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced today a $250 million investment to aid communities at risk from catastrophic wildfires. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and is aimed at protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The increasing threat of wildfires has been exacerbated by the climate crisis.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
TechNet, the national bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, has issued a letter to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. This comes ahead of the committee's markup this week, which will examine several pieces of legislation related to artificial intelligence (AI) and elections.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
Sarah Beth Clendaniel, a 36-year-old woman from Catonsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in the state. Court documents reveal that Clendaniel became acquainted with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident currently awaiting trial on similar charges, in 2018. Both individuals espouse white supremacist ideologies and advocate for a concept known as “accelerationism.”
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
On May 14, 2024, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced that the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is investing nearly $74 million to foster innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy. This investment is aimed at increasing the capacity of wood processing facilities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
More than 20 organizations have expressed their concerns in a letter to top officials, stating that they believe the new definition of an Electronic Communication Service Provider (ECSP) adopted by Congress might allow the National Security Agency (NSA) to compel almost any US business to assist them. The organizations highlighted that all companies today provide some sort of "service" and have access to equipment on which "communications" are stored.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a complaint against North Central Community Services Program and Affiliates, operating as North Central Health Care in Wausau, Wisconsin. The complaint alleges overtime and recordkeeping violations and was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin on May 14, 2024.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken recently held a meeting with representatives from civil society in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Secretary of State expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to engage with these leaders, whom he described as "remarkable."
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently delivered remarks to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The event took place in the Justice Department’s Great Hall, with Secretary Cardona representing the Department of Education.
By Federal Newswire | May 14, 2024
The Vermont Legislature has passed a bill, considered one of the most robust data privacy measures in the country, prohibiting the sale of sensitive data such as social security and drivers’ license numbers, as well as financial or health information. This legislation also sets substantial limits on the amount of personal data that companies can collect and use, according to the nonprofit Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) based in Washington, D.C.
