News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The inaugural U.S.-Philippines Space Dialogue, a platform designed to strengthen cooperation and advance bilateral exchanges in civil space matters, was held on May 2, 2024. This initiative represents an expansion of U.S.-Philippines cooperation into outer space, including the use of space-based Earth observation satellite data for a wide variety of socio-economic applications.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
On May 13, 2024, during Infrastructure Week and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the second episode of its "Investing in America" video series. This installment focuses on the Chinatown Stitch project in Philadelphia, a historic community initiative that received $159 million from the Biden-Harris Administration.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
A former sales employee of a sports equipment manufacturer and distributor pleaded guilty today for his involvement in three separate conspiracies. These included two bid-rigging schemes violating the Sherman Act and one conspiracy to commit wire fraud, all targeting schools located in Mississippi and other locations. The conspiracies victimized at least 100 schools.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
Jessica Stern, the Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, is set to travel to The Hague, Netherlands, and Paris, France from May 13-19. On May 14, Stern will attend the 11th annual European IDAHOT+ Forum in The Hague. This forum is organized by the Council of Europe (COE) and brings together European policymakers, activists, and civil society organizations to evaluate collective progress, achievements, and challenges in protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Europe and globally.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe (CDT Europe) has released its Spring 2024 Tech Policy Brief, which covers pressing technology and internet policy issues under debate in Europe, the U.S., and internationally. The report also provides CDT's perspective on the impact of these issues on digital rights.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
A recent report emphasizes the potential dangers of certain design features and platform functions for developing brains. The report offers eight recommendations for scientists, policymakers, and others to mitigate the ongoing risk to health, well-being, and civic life.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data for February 2024, which includes information on on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR aims to provide consumers with insights into the quality of services offered by airlines.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
EVANSVILLE, IN – An injunction has been issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana against Bardhyl Shabani, owner of Friendship Diner LLC in Evansville. The court order requires Shabani to inform his employees about their rights to cooperate with federal wage investigators and that he is under a department lawsuit for retaliation against workers and failure to pay required wages.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has officially inaugurated its newest clinic in South Tampa, Florida. The Sabal Park Clinic is equipped to provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health, social work, and dietetics. It is designed to cater to the needs of up to 3,600 Veterans.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The Department of Labor announced today that its Federal Black Lung Program will host outreach events for current and former coal miners suffering from disabilities related to black lung disease, as well as their families and survivors. The events are scheduled for May 21 in Indiana and May 22 in Illinois.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in collaboration with several other bureaus within the department, has begun implementing a significant Internet routing security measure. This initiative is aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across the department and fulfills a key priority from the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $39 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District in central Illinois. The funding will facilitate the district's Wastewater System Modernization and Rehabilitation Program, providing vital public health and environmental protections while promoting economic growth.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
During the Biden-Harris administration, Congress has made substantial strides in infrastructure, health care, climate change, and economic investments. However, this progress has not been mirrored in significant technology regulation, a legislative shortcoming that warrants national attention.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an allocation of $28.6 million from President Biden's Invest in America agenda to aid Puerto Rico in identifying and replacing lead pipes to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. This announcement is part of the latest round of funding under President Biden's commitment to replace all the country's lead pipes, thereby protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water supply.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO) has issued an advisory warning students and job seekers about the risks associated with "money mule" scams. These scams involve individuals transferring money into their bank accounts, digital wallets, or spot-market crypto trading accounts as part of their job duties or at the behest of others.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has expressed its concerns to the Federal Reserve regarding the proposed changes to the 13-year-old cap on debit card "swipe" fees. While the NRF welcomes the move to lower the cap, it argues that a proposed change in methodology would result in an excessively high cap.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that its Federal Black Lung Program will host an outreach event in Greenville, Kentucky, on May 20. The event is aimed at assisting current and former coal miners who are suffering from disabilities related to black lung disease, as well as their families, in filing or re-filing claims for benefits.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has introduced a bill aimed at preventing foreign adversaries from gaining access to advanced U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The coalition comprises Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (R-TX), and Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA).
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, have jointly filed a motion seeking court approval to terminate certain aspects of the consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). This action follows the independent monitor’s 19th report, which concluded that the city and APD have achieved full compliance with 96% of the consent decree’s terms.
By Federal Newswire | May 13, 2024
ChinaAid has exclusively published a series of poetry and writings from Pastor John Cao, a recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience. The following pieces were written on May 4, 2024, and have been minimally edited for clarity. To delve deeper into Pastor John Cao’s poetry, one can purchase the collection he wrote while imprisoned, titled "Living Lyrics: Poems from Prison."
